Three Great Bend men were arrested Thursday morning after a traffic stop by Barton County Sheriff’s deputies led to the discovery of suspected narcotics.

According to a BCSO news release, at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday, a deputy sheriff stopped a blue 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis for a traffic infraction in the 1600 block of K-96. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies observed what appeared to be a bag of white crystalline substance on the back seat of the vehicle. The deputies field-tested the substance, and according to the report, the test indicated the substance to be suspected methamphetamine.

Further investigation by deputies led to the location of a container in the front seat area of the vehicle that contained more suspected methamphetamine. The three occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest and transported the Barton County Jail without incident.

Arrested at the scene were the driver, Clayton Hines, 40, as well as passengers Earl Davis, 46, and Ralph Tuey Jr., 49, all of Great Bend. All three were booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Tuey was booked on an additional “failure to appear” warrant from the City of Great Bend. Bond was set at $10,000 for all three.

Hines has since posted bond and was released.