NORTH VERNON — A minor traffic infraction led to the discovery of methamphetamine and drug-related paraphernalia over the weekend in Jennings County.
Gregory D. Loper, 47, of 3934 Steepleworth Circle, North Vernon, and Patricia S. Perkins, 20, of 1011 South County Road 1100E, Seymour, have been arrested on several drug-related charges, according to the North Vernon Police Department.
Just before 7 a.m. Saturday, two officers saw Loper’s green Chevrolet S10 pickup truck run a stop sign at the intersection of Poplar and North Gum streets. After pulling the truck over and talking to Loper, Sgt. Andrew Richmond learned the license plate on the pickup has been reported stolen, and Loper and Perkins were arrested.
When officers searched the truck, they found more than 4 grams of methamphetamine, as well as 31 tablets of clonazepam in an improperly marked container, Richmond said.
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Clonazepam is a prescription drug often used to treat anxiety, relax muscles or as a sedative.
Drug paraphernalia recovered during the search include a syringe, a set of digital scales and several spoons, Richmond said.
Both Loper and Perkins were arrested for possession of methamphetamine as a Level 5 felony and violating the Legend Drug act, a Level 6 felony. Both are also facing misdemeanor charges of possession of paraphernalia.
Loper is also facing one count of possession of a stolen auto part as a Level 6 felony, while Perkins was charged possession of a syringe with a prior conviction, a Level 5 felony.
Loper and Perkins were released Monday morning from the Jennings County Jail following a 48-hour hold, jail officials in Vernon said.
