State Highway Patrol troopers Wednesday seized more than $3 million worth heroin, a record amount for the agency.
The 17 pounds of drugs were uncovered inside a vehicle during a traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike in Wood County in the western part of the state.
Marco Rene Criollo, 46, of Woodhaven, N.Y., was being held in the Lucas County Jail. He is facing federal drug charges, troopers said.
Criollo was driving a 2011 Dodge Caliber when he was stopped for following too close to another vehicle. During the traffic stop, troopers said “criminal indicators were observed” and Criollo allowed troopers to search the vehicle.
The heroin was wrapped and concealed in an inner wall of a refrigerated cooler.
Troopers say their previous record seizure for heroin came in November 2004, when 12 pounds were seized.
