COLUMBUS – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers filed felony drug charges against a Washington man after a traffic stop in Madison County. During the traffic stop, troopers seized a loaded handgun and 10 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $50,000.
On October 7, at 12:55 a.m., troopers stopped a 2020 Ford Fusion with Washington registration for a following too close violation on Interstate 70. While interacting with the driver, troopers detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed the loaded handgun and 2.5 pounds of marijuana in a bag on the back seat. Troopers also located a receipt for a storage locker and obtained a warrant. A search of the storage locker recovered an additional 7.5 pounds of marijuana.
The driver, Fawaz Al-Zaid, 29, Seattle, was incarcerated in the Tri-County Jail and charged with possession of marijuana, a third-degree felony and improperly handling of firearms in a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony.
If convicted, he could face up to four-and-half years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine.
