Patrol’s Effective Traffic Enforcement Yields Drug Arrests

COLUMBUS – In the first six months of 2014, the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated a wide range of felony offenses and increased total drug arrests from the year before, thanks to troopers who take extra time during traffic stops to look for possible indicators of criminal activity.

From January through June, troopers made 5,652 total drug arrests, representing a 19 percent increase compared to 2013 and a 44 percent increase compared to the previous 3-year average, 2011 to 2013.

“Every day our troopers are out on the roadways arresting felons and removing drugs from our communities,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “By being observant and spotting criminal indicators during traffic stops, troopers continue to contribute to a safer Ohio and improve the quality of life here in our state.”

Troopers made several of the largest drug seizures in OSHP history in the last six months. A traffic stop in Preble County led to the second largest marijuana seizure on record with 2,330 pounds, worth an estimated $11.6 million. Troopers seized the third largest amount of prescription pills in Allen County and the second largest amount of non-prescription pills in Hancock County.

Motorists are reminded that public participation is critical to highway safety. Call # 677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.

For a complete statistical analysis please visit http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/2014_Jan-Jun_FelonyAndDrug.pdf.