Ohio State Highway Patrol seizes suspected cocaine valued at $100K near Dayton

DAYTON — An Illinois man faces felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized a kilo of suspected cocaine valued at $100,000 during a traffic stop Monday in Preble County.

According to a patrol press release, troopers stopped a 1998 Volvo S70, with Illinois registration, for a marked lanes violation on Interstate 70, about 10:12 a.m. Monday. The driver did not have a valid driver license and other criminal indicators were observed.

A consent search revealed the suspected drug under the front passenger’s seat, according to the patrol

The patrol charged the driver, Carlos Chavez-Garcia, 28, of Hanover Park, Ill., with possession of cocaine, a first-degree felony and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.

The suspect was placed in the Preble County Jail. If convicted, he could face up to 11 years in prison and a $22,500 fine.