Man charged with drug possession in Logan Co. after traffic stop

AUBURN, Ky. – An alleged burglary suspect is behind bars after authorities say they found illegal drugs in Logan County.

According to a uniform citation, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office was conducting a traffic stop at 6:22 p.m. Wednesday on U.S. 68-80 in Auburn.

During the stop, deputies say they saw another driver, 37-year-old Eric Hopper of Russellville, pass by in a vehicle. Authorities say they knew who Hopper was because they were looking to interview him regarding a burglary case.

Deputies say they initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle near the Warren County line for a known expired license and registration violation.

Hopper was placed into the backseat of a patrol car for an interview, authorities say, but stated he did not know anything about the burglary.

While speaking to a passenger in Hopper’s vehicle, authorities say they detected the odor of marijuana.

After an Adairville K-9 gave a positive alert on the vehicle, authorities say they searched the vehicle and did not locate illegal items.

Upon arrival to the Logan County Jail, authorities say they reviewed camera footage and saw Hopper remove an item from his pants and hide it behind a door panel.

After searching, deputies say they found a clear bag of suspected marijuana and a jar of suspected methamphetamine.

Hopper faces charges of no registration plates, no registration receipt, operating a vehicle with an expired operators license, possession of marijuana, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, third or greater offense (methamphetamine), tampering with physical evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia.