OSHP seizes hallucinogenic drug after traffic stop

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio — A New York man faces felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized ten 2C-E strips after a traffic stop in Guernsey County.

2C-E, which is part of the family of drugs called psychedelic phenethylamines, is supposed to produce psychedelic effects similar to LSD, but more intense and longer lasting. Effects of 2C-E are said to last from six to ten hours, but have been known to last for as many as 24-hours, according to a patrol press release.

The seizure occurred when troopers stopped a 1998 Subaru Legacy, with New York registration, for a following-too-close violation on Interstate 70 eastbound at 12:20 p.m. Monday. Upon approaching the vehicle, troopers observed the front-seat passenger smoking marijuana. A probable-cause search revealed drug paraphernalia, a small amount of marijuana, and a bottle containing the 2C-E strips.

Troopers charged the driver, Brandon Hockenbury, 23, of Gowanda, N.Y., with drug abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia. The passenger, Joseph Cascioli, 22, of Ithaca, N.Y., was charged with possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.

Hockenbury was taken to the Guernsey County Jail.