Two people were arrested on drug charges following a late-night traffic stop in Chattooga County after a deputy observed a vehicle traveling without properly functioning lights.

According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, a deputy was patrolling West Spring Creek Road near Diamond Lane shortly before midnight on October 7 when he noticed a gray 2012 Nissan Maxima traveling northbound with only one operating taillight. The deputy also reported difficulty seeing the vehicle’s license plate.

The deputy followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Valero gas station on Trion-Teloga Road.

The driver was identified as 48-year-old Kimberly Diane Wilson, while the passenger was identified as 61-year-old Arthur Paul Wade.

According to the report, the deputy noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from Wilson’s breath while speaking with her. Wilson initially told deputies she had consumed one beer approximately two to three hours earlier but later stated she had consumed two to three beers.

A second deputy arrived and conducted field sobriety testing. The report indicates Wilson showed signs of possible impairment during an eye examination. She declined additional balance tests, citing neuropathy, and was unable to successfully complete a roadside breath test.

During the investigation, deputies also spoke with Wade, who was seated in the passenger seat. The deputy reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from Wade and asked whether he had anything illegal in his possession.

Wade denied having anything illegal and declined a request to search his pockets. He did agree to voluntarily empty his pockets, although the deputy reported that Wade appeared selective about what he removed.

Deputies also discovered that the vehicle’s license plate was registered to a different vehicle and that the Nissan had suspended registration.

Both Wilson and Wade were arrested on October 8.

According to the arrest report, Wilson was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol, and traffic offenses.

Wade was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.

Both were booked into the Chattooga County Jail.

The incident report provided by the Sheriff’s Office does not specify the quantities of suspected drugs recovered or explain how the controlled substances were discovered.