A  Rush County man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop on I-74 in northern Dearborn County.

The investigation began when Indiana State Police stopped a 2001 BMW after he observed multiple traffic violations.  During the stop the trooper became suspicious and deployed his drug detection K-9 who alerted to the odor of illegal drugs coming from the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, troopers located approximately seven grams of suspected heroin / fentanyl concealed in a hidden area in the trunk of the vehicle.  A syringe and additional drug paraphernalia was also located in the vehicle. 

The driver / registered owner of the vehicle, Brian J. Hillebrand, age 46, of Milroy was arrested on charges of Possession of a Narcotic Drug, over 5 grams, Level 5 felony, Possession of Syringe, Level 6 Felony, and Possession of Paraphernalia, Class A Misdemeanor. 

A female passenger in the vehicle was released at the scene. 

Hillebrand was incarcerated in the Dearborn County Jail pending his initial appearance in court.