A traffic stop in Campti has led to the arrest of a north Natchitoches Parish man on felony drug and weapon charges according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday afternoon June 10 at approximately 3:15pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Special Task Impact Patrol Unit stopped a 2016 Dodge pickup truck on US-71 near La. Hwy 480 in Campti for a traffic violation.

During the traffic stop, deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as 40-year-old Jimmy Anthony Dryden Jr. of Campti, La.

Deputies say during the traffic stop, they observed an open alcoholic beverage container in plain view in the vehicle and observed other indicators leading them to believe criminal activity existed.

Deputies also learned Dryden had prior felony narcotics convictions.

Deputies obtained permission to search the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies seized suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana and a Davis Industries .22 caliber handgun.

Jimmy A. Dryden Jr., 40, of the 500 block of La. Hwy 480, Campti, La. was placed under arrest without incident, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, Possession of CDS Schedule I Marijuana, 2nd or Subsequent Offenses, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Felony, Illegal Carrying of a Firearm during a Felony Narcotics Offense, Criminal Obstruction of Justice after he allegedly attempted to destroy some of the narcotics evidence, and Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverages in a Motor Vehicle.

Dryden remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.

The seized narcotics will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis.