A Columbus man was arrested Tuesday after fleeing a drug-related traffic stop and hiding fentanyl powder in a nearby store shelf.
Rakeem Wilson, 31, is charged with three felony counts of possession of a controlled substance on Tuesday, a Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office press release said.
Wilson was found in a red Dodge Durango with a black hood, which matched the description given in several tips submitted about a vehicle involved in drug activity.
Agents with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics STING Unit and deputies from the patrol division stopped and searched the vehicle at the corner of 10th Avenue North and Railroad Street, the release said.
Wilson was allegedly found inside with a loaded AR-style rifle with the safety switch set to “fire” within his reach in the car. He fled officers on foot to a nearby store, where he hid approximately 5 grams of fentanyl powder on a shelf, the release said.
Along with the powder that was recovered, agents in their search allegedly also found what appeared to be prescription pills, 13 ounces of marijuana and other items commonly used in the sale of controlled substances, the release said.
The drugs estimated street value is around $500 for the fentanyl, $500 for the pills and $2,600 for the weed, Hawkins said in a text to the Dispatch.
“When we receive tips about drug-related and other suspicious activities in our community we take them very seriously,” said Hawkins. “The STING Unit is actively working to seize illegal drugs and firearms in Lowndes County and to hold accountable those who commit drug offenses.”
Wilson is currently being held at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center. Bond has not yet been set for Wilson as of press time.
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