Three people were arrested Tuesday night on drug charges after the vehicle they were in was stopped for having a false license plate. Lt. Matt Harris, spokesman for the Columbus Police Department, says that at approximately 7:50 p.m., officers observed the violation and stopped the vehicle near Seventh Street and Pleasant Grove. He adds that a police canine later alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle.

Officers confirmed a warrant for 35-year-old Zachariah B. Gruber, of Greenwood, who was passenger in the vehicle. When he taken into custody officers allegedly found him to be in possession a syringe, heroin and drug paraphernalia. In addition to the warrant, Gruber was arrested on preliminary charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Legend Drug Injection Device and Possession of Heroin.

Harris says that an arrest warrant was also confirmed for another passenger, 27-year-old Michael R. Hankins, of Columbus. While searching Hankins, the officers reported finding a digital scale with methamphetamine residue. In addition to the warrant, he is facing a preliminary charge of Possession of Methamphetamine.

Officers allegedly located marijuana in a purse that belonged to a third passenger, 25-year-old Breanna D. Meier, of Columbus. After she was arrested and transported to the Bartholomew County Jail, corrections staff there reported finding heroin and pills that Meier had attempted to conceal in her clothing. Meier is facing preliminary charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Legend Drug and Trafficking with an Inmate.