A Massachusetts man was arrested this morning on heroin and paraphernalia counts after a Halifax County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted him and his traveling companion unresponsive in a vehicle on the side of the road.

Chief Deputy Scott Hall said Corporal Casey Sherrod spotted the vehicle around 3 a.m. parked on the side of the roadway at the highways 301 and 125 intersection just south of Halifax.

The driver, identified as Robert Belanger, 31, of Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, and his companion, Maya Luxton, 29, did not initially respond to Sherrod’s attempt to wake them.

Several attempts later Sherrod and Lieutenant Stevn Casey were able to rouse them.

Further investigation led to the discovery of several hypodermic needles, marijuana and heroin.

Belanger was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Luxton was cited and released for simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Belanger received a $1,500 bond and an April 11 court date.