Troopers seize $17,000 worth of methamphetamine, cocaine in Belmont County
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — On Saturday, troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol seized approximately $17,000 worth of methamphetamine and cocaine in Belmont County.
Just before 12:10 p.m. Saturday, troopers conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Nissan Altima for expired registration on Interstate 70 near Bridgeport.
“Upon making contact with the driver, troopers observed criminal indicators and a drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle, signaling a positive indication to narcotics,” a news release states. “During a search of the vehicle, approximately 221 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 96 grams of suspected cocaine was located. In total, the contraband is worth an estimated $17,000.”
The driver, 43-year-old Lori Hutchison of Quaker City, and her passenger, 43-year-old Terence Brawner of Proctor, West Virginia, were arrested and incarcerated at the Belmont County Jail, the release notes.
They face felony drug possession and drug trafficking charges.
According to the Belmont County Jail’s inmate roster, Hutchison is charged with possession of drug abuse instruments, possession of Schedule I and II drugs, trafficking in drugs and failure to file for registration. She was being held late Monday in lieu of a $20,000 total bond.
Brawner was not listed on the roster late Monday. A booking officer at the jail said Brawner had posted a $22,500 bond and been released.