Man facing charges after putting drugs in mouth

A Columbus man was arrested on drug charges after allegedly trying to hide drugs in his mouth.

According to the Columbus Police Department, officers stopped a vehicle near Central Avenue and 12th Street at about 8:44 p.m. Sunday night after the driver made a traffic violation. Police say that during the stop, a police dog alerted to the smell of drugs inside the vehicle.

A passenger, 38-year-old Dustin Cross reached into a bag, pulled something out and then put it into his mouth, police say. He refused to spit it out and after struggling with officers, police discovered a wad of green gum that contained foil and fentanyl that they believe came from his mouth.

After a search, other drugs and paraphernalia were found in in the vehicle.

Cross was taken to Columbus Regional Health to be checked out before being arrested on charges including obstruction of justice, resisting law enforcement and for possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

The driver was released from the scene.