EATON – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 80 pounds of marijuana, valued at $181,440, during a traffic stop yesterday on interstate 70 in Preble County. The two suspects will be arraigned in Eaton Municipal Court on felony charges associated with the case.

The driver, Carlos Torres, 35, and passenger, Brenda Mendez-Estrada, 27, both from Pennsylvania, were charged with fifth-degree felony possession of marijuana, and fifth-degree felony possession of criminal tools. Torres was also cited for driving under suspension and failure to drive in marked lanes.

A trooper stopped the 2006 Chevy Trail Blazer with Pennsylvania registration for lane violations on eastbound interstate 70 near milepost 7, in Preble County at 1:08 p.m. yesterday. An Ohio State Highway Patrol drug-detection canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed three pieces of luggage containing 80 pounds of marijuana.

Both suspects were incarcerated in the Preble County Jail. The rental vehicle was returned to a local rental affiliate.

If convicted, each suspect could face up to two years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

Through October 2006, state troopers seized more than 4.8 million grams of illegal narcotics, valued at nearly $53 million.

# # #

06-242