Two Columbus residents were arrested on felony drug charges after their vehicle was stopped early Friday morning. Lt. Matt Harris, spokesman for the Columbus Police Department, says that at approximately 1:35 a.m., Officer Drake Maddix stopped the vehicle for a minor traffic violation near State Road 46 and Carrie Lane. Maddix later confirmed that the driver, 43-year-old Kevin J. McCarty, had a suspended driver’s license.

Harris says that McCarty was taken into custody and a police K9 later alerted to the odor of narcotics inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle reportedly resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Both McCarty and his passenger 35-year-old Christine M. Hilderbrand, were arrested.

McCarty is facing preliminary charges of Driving While Suspended, Possession of a Legend Drug Injection Device and Possession of Methamphetamine. Hilderbrand is facing preliminary charges of Possession of a Legend Drug Injection Device and Possession of Methamphetamine.