2 in custody after traffic stop leads to drugs and firearms seized by Columbus police

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Columbus Police Department says two men were taken into custody after a traffic stop led to the seizure of guns and drugs by officers.

According to CPD, investigators began searching for a man, who has been identified as Eric Gibbs, for distributing narcotics in the Columbus area.

When authorities determined that Gibbs was seen driving a 2020 Ford Fusion, the Special Operations Unit requested help from the Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia Department of Motor Carrier Compliance to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle.

That’s when a Georgia State Patrol trooper later initiated Gibbs to stop his vehicle for a traffic offense and during the stop, the trooper established probable cause to search the vehicle.

The search led to approximately 16 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $74,413 and a handgun being found and Gibbs was taken into custody.

Following the arrest, investigators then executed a search warrant at Gibbs’ residence, where they found an additional 182.8 grams of marijuana worth $1,828, another firearm and nearly $4,000 in cash.

Authorities also arrested Justin Harris, who was at the residence.

Gibbs was charged with trafficking marijuana, possession of drug-related objects, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Harris was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, a firearm by a convicted felon, and drug-related objects.

In total, investigators seized 16.4 pounds of marijuana, two firearms, and $3,885 in U.S. currency.

CPD thanks all parties involved in the investigation.