CPD traffic stop leads to drug and gun charges for Charleston man

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A downtown traffic stop led Charleston Police to a man in possession of cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, and an AR-15 rifle.

Abraham Isaac Varns, 40, of Charleston was charged with multiple drug and gun charges following a June 19th traffic stop, reports say.

CPD says the traffic stop was conducted near Rutledge Ave and Huger St when they encountered Varns, a passenger in a vehicle.

During their on-scene investigation, officers discovered Varns had cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, and an AR-15 rifle. Officials say that due to his past criminal convictions, he is prohibited from owning firearms.

Varns is charged with trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to distribute ecstasy, simple possession of marijuana, felony possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, reports say.

Varns also had active warrants with CPD for an unrelated charge of pointing a firearm at a person, and an active warrant with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.

“I appreciate and recognize the hard work our officers do every day to make Charleston a safer city for everyone,” said Chief Chito Walker. “We will continue to remove illegally possessed firearms and drugs from the hands of violent offenders. Our community deserves to feel safe and secure, and we will continue to work tirelessly to uphold that promise.”

Varns is in custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center.