Troopers seize $27,450 worth of fentanyl in Hancock County

Hancock County, Ohio — Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers have filed felony drug charges against a Michigan man and woman following a traffic stop in Hancock County.

The incident occurred at 12:35 a.m. on January 11, when a rented 2023 Kia Sportage was pulled over for a speed violation on Interstate 75.

According to a press release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers detected an odor of raw marijuana coming from the vehicle and a search of the car revealed one gram of marijuana from the passenger area and a magnetic box containing 183 grams of fentanyl, worth approximately $27,450.

A search of the passenger also revealed 8 grams of suspected crack cocaine and 7 grams of marijuana on his person, according to the release.

The driver, 45-year-old Aisha Cochran, and passenger, 48-year-old Robert Lee Smith Jr., both from Dearborn Heights, Mich., were taken into custody and charged with possession of fentanyl, a first-degree felony. Smith was also charged with possession of cocaine, a fourth-degree felony.

If convicted, Cochran could face up to 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000, while Smith could face up to 12 and a half years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.