Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized a total of three kilos of heroin in two unrelated traffic stops this weekend with an estimated street value of $1.2 million. Through this past weekend the Patrol has seized approximately 10,241 grams of heroin, valued at nearly $4.1 million, compared to only 6,367 grams, valued at $2.5 million, for the entire year last year.
During this weekend’s first seizure, troopers stopped a 1996 Chevy Tahoe, with New Mexico registration, for a marked lanes violation, eastbound on Interstate 70, near milepost 8, at approximately 1:05 p.m. on Friday. Troopers observed criminal indicators and a Patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed two kilos of heroin. An investigation revealed the heroin entered the United States from Mexico and was destined for Columbus, Ohio.
The driver, Noe Dominguez-Villalobos, 25, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was charged with possession of heroin, a first-degree felony, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony. The suspect was incarcerated in the Preble County Jail. If convicted, he could face up to 11 years in prison and a $22,500 fine.
The second seizure came on Saturday when a trooper stopped a 2010 Chevy Equinox, with Michigan registration, for a speed violation, southbound on Interstate 75, near milepost 149, at approximately 3:47 p.m. Troopers observed criminal indicators and a Hancock County Sheriff’s Office drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed one kilo of heroin.
The passenger, Kenneth Hollins, 35, of Detroit, Michigan, was charged with possession of heroin, a second-degree felony. The driver was not charged. The suspect was incarcerated in the Hancock County Justice Center. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Through October 2009, the Patrol seized nearly 1.8 million grams illegal narcotics valued at nearly $29 million. In 2008, the Patrol seized more than 5.2 million grams of illegal narcotics valued at approximately $47.6 million.
