RCSD: Deputy brought to hospital after being exposed to drugs during vehicle search

Deputy Zaid Abdullah
Image: Richland County Sheriff’s Department

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– The Richland County Sheriff’s Department says a deputy was brought to the hospital this morning after being exposed to drugs during a vehicle search.

Around 2 a.m. Tuesday, officials say Deputy Zaid Abdullah saw a vehicle pulling behind a business on Burnette Drive. After stopping the vehicle, investigators say Deputy Abdullah saw that the vehicle had an expired tag that was not registered to the vehicle and a sawed-off catalytic converter in plain view.

Authorities say the driver, 26-year-old Vladimir Barva, was arrested for warrants out of another agency as well as the charges related to the catalytic converter.

Investigators say Deputy Abdullah used gloves to perform an inventory of the vehicle, and he was exposed to a powdery white substance when he opened the glove box. Authorities say the deputy began going in and out of consciousness and was administered three doses of Narcan. While struggling to remain conscious, officials say Deputy Abdullah was put in a patrol car and taken to the hospital.

RCSD says the substance Deputy Abdullah was exposed to tested positive for methamphetamine.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says this is not the first time a deputy has had complications due to being exposed to drugs on the job, and knows how powerful Narcan can be towards saving a life.

“Narcan has saved many lives of those who have overdosed on drugs,’ Sheriff Lott said. “What we don’t talk about enough is the dangers our deputies are exposed to with those that possess dangerous drugs. This is our second close call in losing a deputy.”

Back on October 22, 2021, Sheriff Lott says Deputy Shannon Huffman was hospitalized twice to to exposure to fentanyl while on duty, when she responded to a business where an ex-employee refused to leave. Investigators say she was exposed to fentanyl in the mans locker and was later exposed after part of the substance lingered on her uniform.

“The dangers to our deputies don’t just come from firearms. We need more access to Narcan. We have to protect our deputies. No more red tape or excuses. Our deputies lives and health are important too,” said Sheriff Lott.