Three Iowans arrested for drug-related charges. It all happened Sunday in O'Brien County, Iowa where the Sheriff's Office took two men into custody for possession of meth precursors and later arrested another individual for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities say it started with a routine patrol for one deputy who passed a rural residence west of Archer, IA. That deputy noticed a vehicle parked outside that residence and became suspicious of their activity. Several deputies were dispatched to assist at the scene and an investigation was conducted.

The investigation led to the arrest of 53-year-old Robert Alan Smith of Primghar, IA and 29-year-old Michael W. Walker of Sheldon, IA for possession of meth precursors, which is a felony. Both men are currently in the O'Brien County Jail with bond set at $10,000.

"What they're charged with is lithium batteries and sudafedren pills," said Lt. Randall Kramar of the O'Brien County Sheriff's Office. "In Iowa, the possession of sudafedren pills  and lithium batteries can be illegal itself based on other information that the officers are able to determine."

A search warrant was served at Smith's residence in Primghar, which resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Shannon Johnson for possession of drug paraphernalia. Johnson later plead guilty to the simple misdemeanor and paid a fine of $307 to the county.

Smith and Walker will soon appear in O'Brien County court.

Drew Sandholm can be reached by phone at (605) 373-7372 or by e-mail.