Ecstasy pills valued at nearly $1.35 million seized in Portage County traffic stop
A Georgia man is facing a drug trafficking charge after authorities said they found 24 pounds of suspected Ecstasy pills found in his vehicle last week during a traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike in Portage County.
More:Ravenna man charged for 2 suspected drug deaths at Ohio Avenue home
According to a Portage County Sheriff's Office Facebook post, the pills have a total estimated street value of nearly $1.35 million and it is believed the drugs are connected with a Mexican drug cartel.
Cornell Harp, 49, is charged with felony trafficking in drugs in Portage County Municipal Court in Ravenna.
More:Man pleads guilty to felony charges for attacking disabled man in Ravenna carjacking
According to court records and the sheriff's office, deputies of the Portage Aggressive Crime Enforcement Unit stopped the vehicle for traffic violations on the Ohio Turnpike eastbound in Freedom Township at a little after 1 p.m. Wednesday.
A sheriff's K-9 indicated the presence of narcotics in the Jeep SUV and about 53,760 multi-colored pills, with a street value of $25 each, were found in numerous bags in the vehicle's rear cargo area. The sheriff's office said the pills tested positive as meth and it is believed the intent was to distribute them as Ecstasy.
The vehicle's driver said he had driven in from out of state and was on his way to a final, unidentified, destination nearby.
The sheriff's office did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking additional comment.
The driver has a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, according to the sheriff's office, and was also convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.
Reporter Jeff Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Portage deputies seize $1.35 million in Ecstasy pills in traffic stop
