Two were arrested after Koah alerts officers to drugs in the vehicle

MITCHELL – Two people were arrested Saturday on drug charges after a Mitchell Police officer stopped a Buick SUV on State Road 60 East, just east of South 6th Street for an expired license plate. The plate had expired more than a year ago.

Manuel Zepeda

The driver of that vehicle was 33-year-old Manuel Zepeda, of Carlisle. Zepeda and his female passenger Kiana Ray, 24, of Paoli, told police they had just purchased the vehicle but they could not provide the officer with the title or any documentation proving that. They also did not have insurance on the vehicle. The officer realized that the year sticker on the expired license plate had been taken from a friend’s vehicle. License plate stickers are not transferable.

Kiana Ray

The officer said Zepeda did not have a valid driver’s license neither did his passenger. Both were asked to exit the vehicle. They told police there was nothing illegal in the vehicle. However, canine Koah alerted officers there was. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a baggie of meth and spoons with meth residue along with nine syringes.

Zepeda was arrested on charges of possession of meth, unlawful possession of syringes, and operating a vehicle while never licensed. Ray was arrested on an outstanding warrant and a charge of possession of meth.

The vehicle was towed from the scene by Mikels Towing and Recovery LLC.