Drug bust in Lucas County leads to multi-state investigation
10/6/2011The discovery of some 326 pounds of suspected cocaine in a recreational vehicle traveling on the Ohio Turnpike near Maumee has led to a multi-state investigation.
According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, troopers stopped a motor home with a California registration for a marked lanes violation as it traveled eastbound on the turnpike about 10:40 a.m. Sept. 8. A drug-sniffing dog led troopers to a steel compartment in the floor of the motor home, where the cocaine was found.
Rodel Babasa, resident agent in charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Toledo office, said the cocaine, which has a wholesale value of $5 million and a street value in excess of $14.8 million, was bound from California to the East Coast.
“It was headed toward the East Coast into New Jersey and possibly New York,” he said.
Mr. Babasa said no suspects are in custody, though charges are expected to be filed pending the conclusion of the federal investigation in Ohio and New Jersey.