OSHP troopers seize 538 pounds of marijuana in Clinton County

WILMINGTON, Ohio — A man from Mexico faces felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 538 pounds of marijuana, worth more than $2.1 million during a traffic stop in Clinton County.

According to a patrol press release, troopers stopped a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country minivan for a registration violation on Interstate 71 northbound, in Clinton County at 4:07 p.m. Wednesday. Criminal indicators were observed and a patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable-cause search revealed 24 bundles of marijuana, weighing 538 pounds.

The driver, David A Gutierrez, 25, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was charged with possession of marijuana and trafficking in marijuana, both second-degree felonies.

He was placed in the Clinton County Jail. If convicted, he could face up to 16 years in prison and up to a $30,000 fine.