OSHP seizes marijuana on turnpike

MAUMEE — Two men face felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 12 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, valued at $60,000, after a traffic stop Thursday on the Ohio Turnpike in Lucas County.

Troopers stopped a 2011 Chevy Traverse, with Oregon registration, for a failing to yield for a stationary public safety vehicle, eastbound on the Ohio Turnpike, about 8:50 a.m. Criminal indicators were observed and a patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable-cause search revealed the hydroponic marijuana, according to a patrol press release.

The suspects, McKinney Morris, 56, of Cleveland and Christopher Leitner, 23, of Phoenix, Ariz., were taken to the Lucas County Jail and charged with possession of marijuana and trafficking in marijuana, both third-degree felonies.

If convicted, each suspect faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.