Officers with the North Charleston Police Department’s K-9 Unit arrested a convicted felon Monday after locating a handgun and multiple illegal drugs during a proactive patrol.

Just after noon, K-9 officers were patrolling the Liberty Hill area due to a recent increase in violent crime when they observed a group of men standing in an empty lot. As officers approached, the individuals attempted to distance themselves.

Officers made contact and discovered a backpack containing a handgun, a green plant-like substance that tested presumptive positive for marijuana, and substances that tested presumptive positive for fentanyl and cocaine base. Vape pens and credit cards belonging to 20-year-old Marcus Dupree Moon Garner Jr. were also found.

Garner was charged with Felony Possession of a Firearm, two counts of Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Trafficking Cocaine, and Trafficking Fentanyl.

He was transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center.