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A Flomaton man was arrested Nov. 2 on possession of drug and distribution charges, according to the Atmore Police Department.

Public Information Officer Sgt. Darrell McMann said in a release Joel Howell, 59, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of marijuana II and possession of drug paraphernalia.

McMann said at approximately 9:55 p.m. on the day of the arrest, an APD officer conducted a traffic stop on South Main Street on a vehicle being operated with faulty lighting.

McMann said the officer made contact with the driver, Howell.

McMann added that during the interaction, the officer noticed that Howell was acting in a suspicious manner.

“The officer called for a K-9 unit to come to the scene,” he said. “The K-9 alerted on the vehicle, which gave the officers probable cause to search the vehicle.”

McMann said during the search of the vehicle, the officers discovered over 12 grams of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine, fentanyl pills, a small amount of marijuana and other items used for the storage and use of narcotics.

Howell was then transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.