Troopers seize $37K worth of meth on I-75 traffic stop in Warren County

A routine traffic stop by Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers led to a short pursuit in which the driver allegedly tossed a bag out of the car window before stopping his car on Aug. 6.

The bag was later found to contain more than 350 grams of methamphetamine, OSP announced today.

Troopers stopped a 2011 Mitsubishi Galant with Ohio registration for following too close and a license plate light violation on Interstate 75 in Franklin Twp., just north of the Middletown exit.

As troopers approached the vehicle, the suspect fled and a short pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the suspect was observed throwing a bag out of the window. A short time later, the suspect voluntarily stopped and was taken into custody without incident.

The 369 grams of meth seized was worth about $39,269, according to the patrol.

The suspect, Jason A. Cundiff, 36, of Franklin, was taken to the Warren County Jail and charged with possession and trafficking in a controlled substance, both first-degree felonies; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and failure to comply with law enforcement, a first-degree misdemeanor.

A $50,000 cash bond was listed for all charges, according to the Warren County Jail website. Cundiff was arraigned on the charges Aug. 9 and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. Friday in Franklin Municipal Court.

If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine, according to the patrol.

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