State troopers find $1.3M in marijuana in truck, arrest California woman driver

A California woman remains in the Cuyahoga County Jail jail on drug charges that could send her to prison for a maximum of 22 years after state troopers, during a traffic stop, seized an estimated 510 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $1.3 million.

Keryl Lopez, 48, of McKinleyville, Calif., was taken to the Strongsville City Jail on Nov. 5 after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers discovered the marijuana in a truck bearing Indiana registration. Troopers had stopped the truck on the Ohio Turnpike for speed and lane violations.

"Criminal indicators" were observed, according to the patrol, and a drug-detecting canine was called.

Lopez, moved to the Cuyahoga County Jail in Cleveland as of Thursday night, is charged with felony counts of possession and drug trafficking.

If convicted as charged, Lopez also could be fined up to $40,000 in addition to the prison sentence.

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