By Ray King
A Garland County man was arrested Wednesday after suspected drugs were found in his vehicle during a traffic stop.
Stephen Claire, 56, of Hot Springs Village was taken into custody by White Hall Maj. Mickey Buffkin who had stopped the vehicle Claire was driving for possibly being under the influence of alcohol.
During a court hearing Thursday, Deputy Prosecutor Joe West said when Buffkin approached the driver’s side of the vehicle he smelled the odor of marijuana and ordered Claire to step out. When Claire did, a plastic baggie containing a rock-like substance believed to be methamphetamine fell to the ground.
A search of the vehicle resulted in finding a glass jar containing a green vegetable like substance believed to be marijuana and a second jar containing baggies of suspected marijuana.
Jefferson County District Judge Kim Bridgforth set a $10,000 bond for Claire after ruling prosecutors have probable cause to charge him with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana) with purpose to deliver. He said he would hire his own attorney.
