Traffic stop leads to drug arrest in Paducah

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) – A man faces drug charges after a traffic stop early Thursday morning in Paducah.

Joseph Branch, 38, faces charges of one headlight, failure to notify address change to Department of Transportation, failure to produce insurance card, drug paraphernalia and trafficking in controlled substance first degree, first offense (greater than 2 grams methamphetamine).

McCracken County Sheriff’s Deputy Kimbler conducted a traffic stop at Irving Cobb and Maggie Street in Paducah on August 31 around 12:29 a.m.

Branch was the driver.

During the investigation, McCracken County Sheriff’s K9 Vegas was deployed for a free air sniff of the vehicle. K9 Vegas alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. Ssuspected methamphetamine consistent with trafficking was found inside the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.

There were also multiple items of drug paraphernalia found inside the vehicle including scales and baggies, according to the sheriff’s office.

Branch was arrested and taken to the McCracken Regional Jail.