Agents seize marijuana in Dayton

Miami Valley task force recovers 200 pounds of pot during traffic stop; 3 arrested, one flees.

Local and state investigators seized approximately 200 pounds of marijuana this week from a pickup truck stopped in Dayton, and three people were arrested.

Miami Valley Bulk Smuggling Task Force investigators arrested Ana Hernandez, 35, Fernando Rivero-Hernandez, 31, and Alfonso Flores-Teran, 43, on drug charges, according to a press release from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Steve Francis said in a release the suspects are not United States citizens.

“The significant quantity of illegal drugs seized and arrests made in this case further demonstrates why this task force stands as one of the best examples of the effectiveness of multi-agency partnerships,” said Francis. “This case is also an important reminder about the crucial role federal and local collaboration plays in combating this public safety threat and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”

There were two simultaneous traffic stops conducted late in the evening Tuesday. The task force members conducted a brief investigation of a male driver and female passenger. The driver escaped and has not been caught yet, while Ana Hernandez was arrested. The second traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Rivero-Hernandez and FloresTeran, who tried to discard crystal meth from their vehicle, investigators alleged.

This newspaper earlier had reported the traffic stop on U.S. 35 East at I-75. The drugs were found in suitcases inside a pickup truck with Texas license plates.

“Law enforcement in this state will continue to aggressively pursue those bringing drugs into our neighborhoods, and this case is just one more example of that fact,” said DeWine.

All three suspects appeared in court on Friday and were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 kilograms of marijuana. According to the release, they were charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“We take complaints about drug activity and drug dealers very seriously and will conduct investigations to ensure those who make a living selling drugs are put behind bars,” said Plummer. “The Miami Valley Bulk Smuggling Task Force did an outstanding job — our community is safer as a result.”

Those with tips on illegal drug activity in the Miami Valley are recommended to contact the Miami Valley Bulk Smuggling Task Force at 937-225-6272.