Officers with the North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) arrested two men Tuesday evening following a proactive patrol in the Charleston Farms community, off of Remount Road, that led to multiple drug charges.

Around 6 p.m., officers were attempting to locate a man reportedly riding in an unregistered vehicle when they arrived at the scene and observed several individuals attempting to hide. One suspect was seated in the passenger seat of the vehicle while another stood nearby.

Police said they noticed a large bag of green plant-like material protruding from one suspect’s pocket as they informed him he was being detained for investigation. The suspect allegedly pulled away and attempted to distance himself from officers but was quickly detained and placed in restraints as backup arrived. The bag was found to contain approximately 40 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for THC.

Officers reported a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. In plain view on the passenger-side floorboard, they observed a plastic baggie containing more green plant-like material. A subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle uncovered:

• 0.3 grams of a white powdery substance
• Six grams of a clear crystalline substance

All substances were field-tested separately and returned presumptive positive results for fentanyl, methamphetamine, and THC.

The suspects were identified as Erek Lynn Cox, 37, and Gerardo Juarez Ramirez, 19. Both were transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center.

Cox was charged with Possession of Fentanyl and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Juarez Ramirez was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.