VIDALIA — Two local women were arrested early Tuesday morning after allegedly being found in possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia and a handgun during a traffic stop.

Ashley R. King, 34, 102 Nelson St., Clayton, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a schedule II drug, possession of a schedule IV drug and introduction of contraband. King’s bond was set at $30,750.

Jennifer K. Hale, 39, 1302 Westwood Road, Natchez, was charged with possession of schedule II drugs, illegal carrying of a weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hale’s bond was set at $16,500.

K-9 Officer Chris Stricklin said a sheriff’s deputy pulled King and Hale over at approximately 1:30 a.m. Tuesday for a routine traffic stop on Carter Street near the sheriff’s office.

When the officer searched Hale, however, Stricklin said he found a handgun on her waistband.

This caused the deputy to search the car, wherein he found methamphetamines, hydrocodone, Vicodin and Valium along with several syringes, meth pipes and other paraphernalia.

After their arrest, officers found more methamphetamines on King’s waistband, causing officers to charge her with an introduction of a contraband into a penal institution.

Both women were being held in the Concordia Parish Jail late Tuesday afternoon.