Two arrested after drugs, handgun found during traffic stop in Laurel County

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Two people were arrested after a traffic stop on I-75 led to the discovery of meth, fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and a handgun, according to a Facebook post from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff John Root stated in the post that members of the Laurel County Drug Interdiction Task Force conducted the stop just before 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, approximately 10 miles north of London. The post says the stop was initiated due to a vehicle registration violation.

During the investigation, deputies said they noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies then saw passenger Ariel Saylor throw a bag under the car, which was later found to contain a large quantity of meth.

A search of the car uncovered a concealed .380 handgun under the driver’s seat. Investigators determined that the driver, James Eric Brock, 38, of Pineville, is a convicted felon and was in possession of:

• Suspected methamphetamine
• Suspected fentanyl
• Gabapentin
• Counterfeit pills
• Marijuana

Brock was also found to be driving on a DUI-suspended license, according to the sheriff’s office.

Passenger Ariel Saylor, 22, of Pineville, was found in possession of a glass smoking pipe with meth residue, digital scales, hypodermic syringes, and additional smoking pipes with residue.

Both suspects were arrested and face multiple charges:

James Eric Brock, 38:

• Trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) – second offense
• Trafficking in a controlled substance (fentanyl derivatives) – first offense
• Trafficking in a controlled substance (third-degree)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl, second-degree)
• Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
• Possession of marijuana
• Prescription controlled substances not in proper container
• Driving on a DUI-suspended license

Ariel Saylor, 22:

• Trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) – first offense
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Prescription controlled substances not in proper container
• Possession of a controlled substance (third-degree)

Both are behind bars in the Laurel County Correctional Center.