Three people were arrested Tuesday on drug charges after sheriff’s detectives made a traffic stop at the intersection of Arkansas Highway 72 and Price Coffee Road in Bentonville.

Sgt. Andy Lee, who heads the gang unit for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, said after the traffic stop was made the detectives had the occupants step out of the vehicle and the detectives observed a plastic bag containing about 8 grams of methamphetamine on the front seat.

Lee said the detectives completed a search of the vehicle and found a loaded .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun with the serial numbers had been removed. Detectives also found digital scales and two syringes, along with what detectives believe are stolen personal checks, Lee said.

Aaron Sheets, 29, of Bella Vista was the driver and his passengers were Dasha Castleman, 23, of Pea Ridge, and Brennon Fetherolf, 20, of Bella Vista, were transported to the jail.

Jail staff found an additional 4 grams of methamphetamine and a small bag of marijuana concealed under Castleman’s clothing, Lee said.

Lee said Sheets is a parolee and currently on active supervision and Castleman and Fetherolf are currently on probation and being supervised by the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, according to Lee.

The three were arrested in connection with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, a Class Y felony and possession of a controlled substance with the purpose to deliver, a Class B felony. They were also arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a defaced firearm, all a Class D felony. The trio was arrested for a misdemeanor possession charge in connection with the marijuana.

The three were being held Wednesday in the Benton County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.