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COLUMBUS – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers filed a felony drug charge against three Arizona men after a stop in Madison County. During the traffic stop, troopers seized 22 pounds of methamphetamine worth approximately $220,000.
On March 10, at 9:33 p.m., troopers stopped a 2011 Cadillac SRX with California registration for a speed violation on Interstate 70. Criminal indicators were observed and a Patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed the contraband in the door panels.
The driver, Valentin Ruiz, 21, of Phoenix, and passengers, Paniagua Efrain, 25, and Victor Lopez, 21, both of Camp Verde, Ariz., were incarcerated in the Tri-County Jail and charged with possession of methamphetamine, a first-degree felony.
If convicted, each could face up to 11 years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.
A photo of the seized contraband is available for download on the Patrol’s website at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov
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