For The Tribune

NORTH VERNON

In what has become a familiar pattern, a minor traffic infraction led to the discovery of methamphetamine and drug-related paraphernalia in Jennings County.

Gregory D. Loper, 47, of North Vernon and Patricia S. Perkins, 20, of Seymour have been arrested on several drug-related charges, according to the North Vernon Police Department.

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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, a department news release stated.

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 and 31 tablets of clonazepam in an improperly marked container, according to the news release.

Clonazepam is a prescription drug often used to treat anxiety, relax muscles or as a sedative.

Drug paraphernalia recovered during the search included 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 also face misdemeanor charges of possession of paraphernalia.

Loper also is 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.

Formal charges will be determined by the office of Jennings County Prosecutor Brian Belding. Both Loper and Perkins were released from the Jennings County Jail on Monday morning following a 48-hour hold, jail officials in Vernon said.