HUTCHINSON– Two of three people arrested Tuesday after a search warrant was served on a Hutchinson home appeared in a Reno County court on Thursday morning on drug-related charges.

Benjamin Cullum, 40, Langdon faces possible charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug proceeds and possession of drug paraphernalia. He apparently was arrested for a parole violation as well.

Maira Meza, 24, Newton was jailed for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. She allegedly had a pipe with residue in her purse. She’s also being held for a warrant in Harvey County.

A third person arrested was 30-year-old Nicole Hays. She faces charges including distribution of marijuana, possession of prescription drugs, no tax stamp, possession of a firearm by a known felon and interference with law enforcement.

She was able to post bond and should make a first appearance next week.
When searching the home in the 400 block of North Plum, the Reno County Drug Unit allegedly found a black zip-up nylon case with prescription pills and 50 grams of marijuana in Hays’ bedroom.

They also found a scale, safe, vacuum sealer, two empty Ziploc bags and owe sheets, according to police.

In the safe was $120 in control buy money, $10 more was allegedly found in Hays’ wallet and $180 in twenties were in Cullum’s pocket.

He also allegedly had $1,903 in another pocket, which he alleges he won at a casino. However, some of the bills had serial numbers that match money from the control buys made by the drug unit.
They also allegedly found a bag with residue and a scale in Cullum’s truck.

In the garage of the home was a Ruger LCP 380 gun in a metal case, a baggie of methamphetamine and a scale. More marijuana and smoking pipes with residue were also found.
Meza’s bond was set at a mere $250, while Cullum’s is set at $1,000. It’s so low because he has a hold from the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation. Both will be back in court next week.