Two men from Zephyrhills, Florida, a father and son, are in jail after authorities in Ohio reportedly discovered four pounds of cocaine in their rented pickup during a search following a traffic stop. They allegedly found the drugs inside packaging for Lunchables brand snack foods. The 21-year-old driver and the passenger, his 41-year-old father, now face first-degree felony charges of possession and trafficking in cocaine. The charges carry potential penalties of $40,000 in fines and up to 22 years in prison for each man if convicted.
Law enforcement officers observed the pickup making unsafe lane changes and speeding while traveling down the Ohio Turnpike. Because of the dangerous manner in which the driver was operating the vehicle, authorities pulled him over. The pickup was a rental with Florida registration.
Officers asked the driver to step out of the vehicle and obtained consent for a pat-down search, which resulted in the confiscation of a loaded handgun found on the driver’s person. A subsequent search of the truck reportedly yielded two boxes of Lunchables that were suspiciously heavy. Upon opening the boxes, authorities discovered $84,000 worth of cocaine inside.
Lunchables are a popular snack product marketed toward kids. They are high in protein and may constitute a light meal. They typically contain crackers, luncheon meats and often a soft drink and/or dessert of some kind within a plastic tray inside the box.
Those accused of trafficking and other drug crimes have the right to a defense. It may prove helpful for them to contact an attorney.