On 11/19/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Michael L. Hammond, age 51, of Mt. Carmel for Possession of Methamphetamine (More Than 5 grams but Less Than 15 grams) and Obstructing Justice. Prior to the stop, the arresting officer observed a blue Dodge truck operating with expired registration in the 600 block of N Walnut Street. The officer conducted a traffic stop and found Hammond to be the driver. During the stop, Officer Hopper and his K-9 Eleven arrived on scene and conducted a free air narcotics sniff around the exterior of the vehicle. Eleven alerted to the presence of narcotics coming from the vehicle resulting in a search. When Hammond was searched, the officer discovered a suspicious item concealed underneath Hammond’s pants. Hammond refused to remove the item so he was detained and transported to the jail for further investigation. Upon arrival, Hammond admitted he had a bag of methamphetamine hidden in his underwear. The officer removed the item and located approximately 9 grams of suspected methamphetamine, which later field tested positive. Hammond was turned over to jail staff where he was charged with the above offenses. Hammond is being held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.