OSHP seizes $25K worth of marijuana on Ohio Turnpike

ELYRIA, Ohio — Two men from New York are facing felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized five pounds of BC Bud marijuana, valued at $25,000 during a traffic stop Thursday on the Ohio Turnpike.

According to a patrol news release, troopers stopped a 1995 Buick for a following-too- closely violation on the turnpike, shortly past 3 p.m. Criminal indicators were observed and a patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable-cause search revealed the BC Bud marijuana.

Christopher Keller, 54, of Middleport, N.Y., and Michael Ryckman, 45, of Painted Post, N.Y., were charged with possession of marijuana and trafficking in marijuana, both third-degree felonies.

The suspects were incarcerated in the Lorain County Jail.

BC Bud marijuana is one of the most potent strains of cannabis, which is usually cultivated in British Columbia, according patrol officials. It has a THC content of 30 percent as compared to only four percent in traditional marijuana.