OSHP troopers seize 64 pounds of suspected marijuana on Ohio Turnpike

MONTPELIER — A Utah man faces felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 64 pounds of suspected hydroponic marijuana, with a street value of nearly $320,000 during a traffic stop Monday on the Ohio Turnpike in Williams County.

According to a patrol press release, troopers stopped a rented 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis, with Rhode Island registration, for a following too close violation on the Ohio Turnpike, near milepost 13, at 10:54 a.m. Monday. Troopers observed criminal indicators and a patrol drug-sniffing dog alerted to the vehicle.

A probable-cause search revealed multiple vacuum-sealed packages of suspected hydroponic marijuana concealed in duffel bags.

Troopers charged the driver, Craig C. Robbins, 64, of Salt Lake City, with possession of marijuana and trafficking of marijuana, both second-degree felonies.

Robbins was incarcerated in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio. If convicted, he could face up to 16 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.