Safety checkpoint results in divorcées drug arrests

A divorced couple was arrested with drugs and paraphernalia during a traffic stop last week near Dixon, according to Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark.

The driver, Lester Jeffery Long, 54, 10261 Road 109, Union, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.

The passenger, Wendy Long, 53, 10121 Road 359, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.

Deputies first encountered the Longs at a safety checkpoint near the intersection of Road 210 and Road 121 on May 8, at about 9:45 p.m.

Lester Long was driving a gray Nissan Altima with a suspended license.

Deputies reported the smell of alcohol coming from the car and asked Lester to pull over for further inspection and questioning. Upon Lester exiting the vehicle deputies could see a beer and multiple handguns under the driver’s seat, the authorities said.

Clark said Lester then gave deputies permission to search the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed three handguns, a set of scales, a pipe, a baggie containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, and a small black backpack containing another pipe and another small container with drugs inside.

“They told deputies they had recently procured the drugs and had divided them up in the car,” Clark said.

The two were then arrested.