HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The second of three people arrested on drug charges appeared in a Reno County District Court Monday morning for the reading of formal charges.

Forty-year-old Benjamin Cullum has been charged by the state with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of marijuana with a prior conviction, unlawfully acquiring proceeds from a drug transaction and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was arrested with Nicole Hays and 24-year-old Maira Meza.

The arrest came after a search of the home belonging to Hays, this in the 400 block of North Plum. The Reno County Drug Unit allegedly found the drugs and a large amount of cash, including many bills that were used for a control buy.

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.

The cases against Hays and Cullum will now move to a waiver-status docket.