OSHP seizes 70 lbs. of marijuana in Preble County

EATON, Ohio — Two men face felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 70 pounds of marijuana, valued at more than $150,000, after a traffic stop Wednesday on Interstate 70 in Preble County.

According to a state patrol press release, troopers stopped a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica for an unsafe lane change violation and failure to use headlights in the rain, eastbound on Interstate 70 about 8:42 a.m. Criminal indicators were observed and a patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable-cause search revealed the marijuana.

The driver, Rockford Matheny, 32, of Ashville, Ohio, and the passenger, Victor Alderete Perez, 34, of Mexico, were incarcerated in the Preble County Jail and charged with trafficking and possession, both second-degree felonies.

If convicted, the suspects could each face up to 16 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, patrol officials said.