Man facing drug charges enters not-guilty pleas

7/25/2008

An Illinois man facing drug charges after authorities seized more than 100 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike July 1 was arraigned yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Erjon Ruci, 28, of Naperville pleaded not guilty to possession of marijuana and trafficking in marijuana. He was released on $100,000 bond. Judge James Bates set a Sept. 9 trial date.

Mr. Ruci was stopped by Ohio Highway Patrol troopers near the Toledo Express Airport interchange for a traffic-lane violation and seized 104 pounds of marijuana valued at $4.7 million from his vehicle.

Mr. Ruci, who has a Green Card, voluntarily surrendered his passport.