Cash, drug seized in search

1/8/2013

MILAN, O. - A state trooper who stopped a driver west of here yesterday said he confiscated more than $35,000 in money believed to have been earmarked to buy drugs.

Bernard L. Laduke, 50, of Halfmoon Bay, Calif., was arrested after several commercial truckers reported an erratic driver. Sgt. Eric Short said he stopped the vehicle and discovered two occupants with a strong odor of alcohol. The smell of marijuana was prevalent in the vehicle too, he said.

A search of the driver uncovered a hip pouch containing four suspected marijuana cigarettes and about $7,200 in cash. A search of the vehicle turned up a small paper bag containing $28,245 in cash, trooper said.

Mr. Laduke was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, and failure to drive within marked lanes. The money was turned over to federal drug enforcement agents.

Mr. Laduke, who was taken to the Erie County in Sandusky, has a previous felony conviction of possession of a controlled substance in Florida.