Troopers seized 16 pounds of hydroponic marijuana on Monday.
 / Ohio State Highway Patrol
MAUMEE -- State Highway Patrol troopers seized 16 pounds of hydroponic marijuana--valued at $80,000--during a Lucas County traffic stop Monday.
Around 9:30 a.m., troopers pulled over a vehicle with Colorado plates for following too closely on the ohio Turnpike. A drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle and troopers found the hidden marijuana.
The driver, 44-year-old Michael A. Carty and passenger, Erwin Koston Jr., were charged with drug abuse and trafficking in drugs, both third-degree felonies. Koston was also charged with possession of methadone, a fifth-degree felony.
Both suspects were incarcerated in the Lucas County Jail. If convicted, Carty could face up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine and Koston could face up to 11 years in prison and up to a $12,500 fine.