Ohio Turnpike Traffic Stop Generates $162,000 in Cocaine

Ottawa County, Ohio (WCMH) – A routine road stop on the Ohio Turnpike has turned into a major drug bust in Ottawa County.

Ohio State Highway Patrol said a trooper pulled a 2019 Ford Taurus on the Ohio Turnpike near Elmore, Ohio around 1:30 p.m. on December 6, violating the window tint. OSHP said suspicions were raised and the patrol’s drug-sniffing dogs were called to the scene.

During the search, traces of tampering were visible on the dashboard, and a hidden compartment was discovered under the dashboard. Inside the compartment were five packages of cocaine and an unknown amount of cash.

An estimated 11 pounds of cocaine sells for about $162,000, according to an OSHP release. His 32-year-old Rafael Patterson, from Warren, was arrested on drug possession and cocaine trafficking charges and was detained at the Ottawa County Jail. Both are a first degree felony and a hidden compartment inside the vehicle (third degree felony).

If convicted, Patterson could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.