A telephone tip about possible drug activity in a car led to the arrest of three men on misdemeanor drug charges Monday night in North Vernon.

Colten D. Halbig, 22, of Vevay, John O. Galliher, 19, and Ryan Bushorn, 20, both of Aurora, all face Class A misdemeanor charges of possession of paraphernalia and Class B misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana.

The arrests occurred after North Vernon Officer Isaac Barkes responded to a report of possible drug activity in a vehicle and stopped a red Toyota passenger car in Hickory Manor trailer court off Hurley Drive on the city’s northwest side, according to a news release.

Barkes said he made the traffic stop after the driver committed a moving violation on Buckeye Street.

[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]

During the stop, Barkes said he requested the assistance of Sergeant Andrew Richmond and his K-9 Heros, and the dog alerted to the scent of an illegal drug coming from within the car. A subsequent search revealed several marijuana pipes and marijuana both in the vehicle and on the occupants. All illegal items were seized.

Barkes and Richmond were assisted by officers Wes Thayer and Anthony Bagby and Sgt. Todd Beam.