Driver arrested on drug-related charges after traffic stop

A local man was arrested on several drug-related charges after he was stopped for a traffic violation.

Columbus Police Officer Drake Maddix stopped the driver of a Chevrolet Tahoe at 11:30 p.m. Thursday near State and Center streets after the driver failed to signal a lane change, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

Officers detected the odor of marijuana inside the vehicle while speaking with the driver, Calvin L. Watkins, 46, Columbus, Harris said. When searching Watkins, officers found a bag that he had concealed in his pants, Harris said. When officers found the bag, they located marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, Harris said.

Watkins was arrested on preliminary felony charges of maintaining a common nuisance and possession of methamphetamine, and misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.