For Immediate Release: January 29, 2015

Contact: Lt. Michael D. Combs (216) 265-1677

Troopers seize 235 pounds of marijuana in Lorain County traffic stop

ELYRIA – A man and a woman are facing felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 235 pounds of marijuana, worth approximately $1,200,000 following a traffic stop in Lorain County.

Troopers stopped a 2007 Chevy 1500 pick-up truck, with Nevada registration, for marked lanes and failure to signal violations on Interstate 80, near milepost 133, at 3:53 p.m. on January 21. Criminal indicators were observed and a Patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed the contraband.

The driver, Kimberly M. Benson, 42, and passenger, Daniel M. Essad, 62, both from Reno, Nev., were incarcerated in the Lorain County Jail and charged with possession and trafficking in marijuana, both second-degree felonies.

If convicted, each could face up to 16 years in prison and up to a $30,000 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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