PIQUA – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers made the largest marijuana seizure in the Division’s history today on Interstate 70 in Preble County and filed felony charges on two California men in connection with the seizure.

Troopers stopped a 1998 Freightliner commercial vehicle driven by Muñoz for speed and lane violations on eastbound Interstate 70, milepost 6, in Preble County at 10:15 a.m. today.

A Patrol drug-detecting canine alerted to the truck and a probable cause search revealed 3,181 pounds of marijuana hidden within the load in the back of the truck. The marijuana has an estimated street value of approximately $7.25 million.

Juan Muñoz, 35, of Riverside, Calif., and Alberto Vega, 34, of Somis, Calif., were each charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.

Muñoz and Vega were incarcerated at the Preble County Jail. They are scheduled to appear in the Preble County Common Pleas Court tomorrow. If convicted, each could face up to nine years in prison, and up to a $17,500 fine.

# # #

05-102