A driver was arrested on a charge of drug trafficking after allegedly hiding marijuana inside wrapped Christmas presents, according to police in Ohio.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said that they have arrested 31-year-old Daniel A. Yates of Eureka, California, after being pulled over for following another vehicle too closely.
Yates has been charged with drug possession and drug trafficking. He was booked into the Wood County Jail. If convicted, he could face up to 16 years in prison and up to a $30,000 fine.
On Monday around 10:30 a.m., troopers stopped a rented 2016 Ford Expedition, with Washington State license plate registration, for following too closely on Interstate 80, near milepost 71.
Troopers observed criminal indicators and a patrol drug-sniffing canine was called to the vehicle.
A probable cause search revealed 10 gift wrapped boxes containing approximately 71 pounds of marijuana, 360 THC pills and a pound of hash wax oil.
Troopers seized the 71 pounds of marijuana, worth approximately $330,000.