Ohio state troopers find marijuana in canned shirmp containers

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A Kentucky man faces felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 53 pounds of suspected marijuana, valued at more than $120,000 during a traffic stop in Ross County and subsequent search of a business in Licking County on Tuesday.

Troopers stopped a 1997 Buick, with Kentucky registration, for following too close and marked lanes violations on US 23 near milepost 10 at approximately 1:53 p.m. Troopers observed criminal indicators and a patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle.

A probable cause search revealed 25 pounds of suspected marijuana concealed in five-pound metal shrimp containers.

Evidence collected from investigators on the scene resulted in a search warrant being served to a business in Licking County. Licking County Drug Task Force/CODE and troopers searched the property and located another 28 pounds of the suspected illegal drug.

The driver, Jose S. Guzman, 60, of Grayson, KY., was charged with possession of marijuana and trafficking in marijuana, both third-degree felonies. Guzman was placed in the Ross County Jail. If convicted, he could each face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.