Ohio deputies allegedly find 13.3 grams of ecstasy during traffic stop, 1 arrested

NOBLE COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — A Louisiana man is now sitting in the Noble County Jail after deputies say they discovered suspected drugs during a traffic stop.

According to officials , on July 20, deputies saw a vehicle swerve and cross over lanes along I-77 in Noble County. He also witnessed the headlights go on and off.

Deputies initiated a traffic stop where he identified the driver and three passengers who were from North Carolina and Louisiana.

While speaking with the occupants, officials reports he observed several criminal indicators and asked them to step out of the vehicle.

Officials say once the occupants were out of the vehicle, K-9 unit Cora performed an open-air sniff and alerted to the presence of narcotics.

During a search of the vehicle, officials report finding a container with a white, crystalline substance as well as 13.3 grams of Ecstasy in pill form.

One of the passengers, Christopher Franklin, 25, claimed ownership and was arrested and transported to the Noble County Jail for two counts of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, both third-degree felonies. Additional charges may be presented to the Noble County Grand Jury.

Officials say the driver and the other occupants were released.

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