BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Interstate 70 near Bridgeport on Saturday and discovered approximately $17,000 worth of meth and cocaine, according to a press release.
The find of the suspected drugs happened Saturday, March 15, just before 12:10 p.m. during a routine traffic stop for expired registration. The vehicle, a 2003 Nissan Altima, caught officers’ attention due to several criminal indicators observed at the scene.
A drug-sniffing canine was deployed during the encounter and provided a positive alert for narcotics, prompting officers to conduct a more thorough search of the vehicle. The investigation led to the discovery of approximately 221 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 96 grams of suspected cocaine. Authorities estimate the total value of the seized suspected contraband at around $17,000.
The driver, 43-year-old Lori Hutchison of Quaker City, along with her passenger, 43-year-old Terence Brawner of Proctor, West Virginia, were taken into custody at the scene. Both individuals now face felony charges for drug possession and trafficking and were incarcerated at the Belmont County Jail. A photo of Brawner from the jail was not available.
This operation is part of an ongoing effort by state law enforcement to target drug-related activities and ensure the safety of communities along major transportation corridors. Further details regarding the investigation and any additional charges have yet to be released by the authorities.
