A routine traffic stop in Jackson County led to a major drug bust Wednesday evening, resulting in the arrest of a North Carolina woman and the seizure of more than half a million dollars’ worth of suspected cocaine.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers stopped a vehicle traveling “well above the posted speed limit” on U.S. 35 shortly after 6 p.m. During the stop, a K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 17 packages containing approximately 46 pounds of suspected cocaine. Investigators estimate the street value of the drugs at roughly $546,000, calling the discovery a significant blow to drug trafficking operations in the region.
The driver, identified as Justice Simon, 29, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was taken into custody and now faces charges of drug possession and trafficking.
The case remains under investigation.
