VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - A man is now facing several felony charges after a Wednesday afternoon traffic stop led to a narcotics arrest in Valdosta.

At around 2 p.m., Eric Emerson Rice, 23, was involved in a traffic stop in the 500 block of East Rogers Street. Police say the stop was made by members of the Valdosta Police Department (VDP) Crime Suppression Unit.

While officers were speaking with Rice, they said they saw evidence of the presence of narcotics inside his vehicle.

Rice then exited the vehicle, leading to officers seeing a Draco AK-47 style pistol at his feet, according to police.

Officers secured Rice and the firearm. Inside the vehicle, officers found the following:

• Another pistol within Rice’s reach
• Over 480 grams, or about 14 ounces, of marijuana
• Tools and currency indicative of narcotics sales

Rice was taken to the Lowndes County Jail and has been charged with the following:

• Felony possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute
• Felony possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
• Felony possession of drug-related related items

Anyone with any further information on this case or any other cases, please get in touch with the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at (229) 293-3145, the crime tip line at (229) 293-3091 or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.

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