Three arrested on drug charges after North Vernon traffic stop

North Vernon police say a broken taillight last night led to the arrest of three people on drug trafficking charges.

An officer was working traffic patrol near State Road 3 and Madison Avenue at about 10 last night, when he noticed the vehicle with only one working taillight. After pulling the vehicle over, the officer discovered the driver, 33-year old Sarah O. Brazzell of Mitchell, had a suspended license.

The Jennings County Sheriff’s Department’s police dog Axel was brought to the scene and alerted to the smell of narcotics in the vehicle. A search revealed individually wrapped baggies of methamphetamine in the vehicle totaling about 6 and a quarter ounces, along with drug paraphernalia.

Brazell and passengers 30-year-old Ryan D. Pierce of Mitchell and 38-year-old Bradly M. Randall of Batesville are facing charges of dealing in and possessing methamphetamine, possessing a hypodermic needle and visiting or maintaining a common nuisance. Brazzel is also being charged with driving while suspended.