Traffic stops yield seizure of large amount of drugs on Ohio Turnpike

BEREA — Three suspects face felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized more than $300,000 worth of illegal narcotics after two traffic stops on the Ohio Turnpike.

According to a patrol news release, the first traffic stop occurred at 12:01 p.m. Tuesday when troopers stopped a 1988 Buick LeSabre for a following-too-closely violation in Lorain County. Criminal indicators were observed and a patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable-cause search revealed a quantity of suspected of cocaine and heroin, worth $100,000, and 181 Xanax pills, worth nearly $1,000.

The driver, Tyisha Davis, 25, of Oak Park, Mich., and passenger, James Dubose, 41, of Detroit, were charged with possession of cocaine, aggravated trafficking in cocaine, possession of heroin and aggravated trafficking in heroin, all first-degree felonies. Both were also charged with possession of criminal tools and trafficking of a scheduled substance, both third-degree felonies, and possession of a scheduled substance, a fourth-degree felony.

The suspects were placed in the Lorain County Jail.

The second stop occurred at 12:16 a.m. today when troopers stopped a 2001 Toyota Camry for a speed violation in Sandusky County. Criminal indicators were observed and a probable-cause search revealed 20 pounds of suspected hydroponic marijuana, worth $100,000.

The driver, Albert Ross III, of Lorain, was charged with possession of marijuana and trafficking in marijuana, both third-degree felonies. He was taken to the Sandusky County Jail.