VERMILLION COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Officers have charged two individuals with possession of methamphetamines after finding 14.4 grams of meth during a traffic stop.

According to a post from the Vermillion County Indiana Sheriff’s Department, the traffic stop was conducted after officers were patrolling in an area with several reports of drug-related activity and saw a driver that failed to signal, stay in their lane, and was driving in the middle of the road near CR 200 E and SR 63.

(Image of confiscated drugs courtesy the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office)

At around 8:12 p.m., officers began to follow the vehicle and requested a K-9 unit to respond to the scene. As the K-9 officer, Zeus checked the vehicle, the other officers were alerted that narcotics were in the vehicle.

Officers continued to search the vehicle and found the 14.4 grams of methamphetamine that were packaged in separate containers as well as several items of paraphernalia including scales.

The driver, Michael Giordano, 40, of Clinton, IN, and the passenger Crystal Garbani, 37 of Clinton, IN, both denied that the drugs belong to them initially. 

However, Giordano and Garbani were taken to the Vermillion County Jail and booked on the following charges:

  • Possession of Methamphetamines at least 10gm but less than 28gm (Level 4 felony)
  • Dealing Methamphetamines at least 5gm (Level 3 felony)
  • Possession of Paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor)

Giordano is being held on a $100,000 bond (no 10% allowed) while Garbani is being held on a $35,000 bond (no 10% allowed).