GRANT CO. – On Saturday, September 14, just before 3:00 p.m., Indiana State Trooper Edward Titus conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Chevrolet Impala at 243 Tippy Drive in Marion. During the stop, Trooper Titus identified the driver as Reuben D. Powell, 35, of Channelview, TX.
While interacting with Powell, Trooper Titus observed indicators of potential criminal activity and requested the assistance of a K-9 unit. Officer Stefanatos of the Marion Police Department responded with his K-9 partner, who alerted the officers to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 500 grams of kratom, a controlled substance. Powell was arrested and transported to the Grant County Jail on charges of dealing in a controlled substance, a Level 2 felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.
The suspected kratom will be sent to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for an exact determination of substance and weight.
Trooper Titus was assisted by other members of the Indiana State Police Peru Post and Marion Police Department.
