East Brewton police have arrested a Flomaton man they believe may have come to the city in an effort to sell drugs.

Michael Dyeniel Knight, 21, of 1002 Titi Street in Flomaton, was arrested Sunday evening after officers approached a ‘suspicious vehicle’ in a business parking lot, East Brewton Police Chief Kenny Brazile said.

“Our officer was on a routine patrol when he noticed someone sitting in a vehicle in the parking lot of Fred’s,” Brazile said. “Since it was after hours, the officer approached the vehicle to speak with the occupant.”

Brazile said the officer stated that a “strong smell of marijuana” was evident in the vehicle prompting a search of the suspect and the vehicle.

“When the vehicle was searched, the officer discovered a large quantity of marijuana apparently packed for sale,” Brazile said. “Other items that would indicate sale of marijuana were also recovered along with a loaded firearm.”

Knight has been charged with first-degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a concealed weapon without a permit.

Knight was transported to the Escambia County Detention Center where he was booked on the charges against him.

Brazile said the observant eyes of officers with the department helped to make this arrest and take a large amount of drugs off the streets of East Brewton.

“We are just doing our job,” Brazile said. “It’s our duty to do what we can to help keep the citizens of East Brewton safe.”