3 arrested after drug stop on turnpike in Maumee
9/19/2012State troopers found 65 pounds of marijuana hidden in the bumper of a car and its inside door panels after a traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike in Maumee.
Three California men were arrested after the Tuesday stop and are to be arraigned by video today in Maumee Municipal Court.
Charged with drug abuse and trafficking in drugs are Jonathan Almanzo Soeun, 20, and Da Seth, 25, both of Stockton, Calif., and Walter Lee Rath, 21, of West Sacramento, Calif. All are being held in the Lucas County jail pending the arraignment.
Troopers seized the drugs, worth an estimated $416,000, after a traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike.
Officials said a 2010 Honda Civic was pulled over at 8:33 a.m. for a following-too-close violation and troopers "observed criminal indicators," troopers said.
A drug-sniffing dog was brought to the scene and officials found the marijuana in vacuum sealed packages.
If convicted, the men could each face up to 16 years in prison and a maximum $30,000 fine.