Columbus man arrested after traffic stop found drugs, paraphernalia and cash

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. — A Columbus man was arrested Tuesday after a traffic stop on U.S. 31 uncovered drugs as well as drug paraphernalia.

According to a press release from the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office, John Hayes was arrested Tuesday on the following preliminary charges:

• Methamphetamine trafficking
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Trafficking in a controlled substance
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of paraphernalia.

The release states that a Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office deputy initiated a traffic stop Tuesday on a speeding vehicle on U.S. 31 near the intersection with N 550 W. Officials said that when At the checkpoint, a passenger who was later identified as Hayes “exhibited particularly nervous behavior.”

The deputy, accompanied by a K9, conducted a free air sniff around the vehicle and the K9 indicated the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. According to the release, Hayes' backpack was inside the vehicle and contained:

• Methamphetamine
• Packaging materials
• Balance
• Smoking devices
• Marijuana
• Oxycodone pills
• Almost $3,000 in cash.

Officials said Hayes is currently in custody for 48 hours. the office continues to investigate the incident.