(Photo provided) In a Wednesday press release, Sheriff Mark Warden reporte that a routine traffic stop was conducted Wednesday by Detective Peters and K9 Timmy on Interstate 77 southbound which resulted in the arrest of Derrick Lamar Billups Jr., 35, 685 Manchester Circle, Pickerington, Ohio, and the seizure of substantial quantities of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl.

A Pickerington man was arrested on drug charges Wednesday by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

In a Wednesday press release, Sheriff Mark Warden reporte that a routine traffic stop was conducted Wednesday by Detective Peters and K9 Timmy on Interstate 77 southbound which resulted in the arrest of Derrick Lamar Billups Jr., 35, 685 Manchester Circle, Pickerington, Ohio, and the seizure of substantial quantities of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl.

While patrolling I-77 southbound, Detective Peters observed a silver four-door vehicle, bearing Ohio registration commit a traffic violation, Warden said. A traffic stop was initiated at mile marker 2 in the City of Marietta, Pioneer Township. Detective Peters made contact with the driver, identified as Billups, and explained the reason for the stop. When asked about his destination, Billups stated he was heading to Greene Street in Marietta but was unsure of the exact address, referring to his phone for details.

Detective Sergeant Painter, Deputy Davis and K9 Ivar arrived on scene to assist. While Detective Peters issued a written warning for the marked lanes violation, Deputy Davis deployed K9 Ivar to conduct a free air sniff around the vehicle. K9 Ivar positively alerted on the rear passenger door, prompting a search of the vehicle by officers, Warden said.

The search revealed two Doritos bags inside a grocery bag on the rear floorboard. Upon inspection, Detective Peters discovered concealed bags of suspected narcotics hidden at the bottom of each Doritos bag. Billups was placed under arrest, read his Miranda Rights, and secured in a patrol cruiser, Warden reported.

(Photo provided) The collected evidence was weighed, revealing 37.18 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 54.56 grams of suspected fentanyl, including packaging.

The collected evidence was weighed, revealing 37.18 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 54.56 grams of suspected fentanyl, including packaging. As a result, Billups was charged with possession of fentanyl and trafficking in fentanyl, both first-degree felonies, and possession of drugs and trafficking in drugs, both second-degree felonies.

Billups was transported to the Washington County Jail for processing.

He appeared in Marietta Municipal Court on Thursday and was being held on $200,000 bond plus personal recognizance. Billups will be in court again on May 14.

(Photo provided) The collected evidence was weighed, revealing 37.18 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 54.56 grams of suspected fentanyl, including packaging.