Bob Strickley

PDT Content Manager

LUCASVILLE — A pair of West Virginia men are facing felony drug charges after troopers from the Portsmouth Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle Friday evening on U.S. 23.

According to Lt. Karla Taulbee of the OSHP, troopers stopped a 1997 Dodge Ram on U.S. 23 in Lucasville at approximately 6:48 p.m. Friday after a moving violation and noticing several vehicle defects.

Responding Troopers observed criminal indicators and a patrol canine was called to the scene. The canine indicated cause for a search and the vehicle was subsequently searched by troopers.

The inspection of the vehicle revealed approximately two ounces of cocaine translating to approximately $4,700 in street value.

The driver, Mark A. Trogdon, 52, and the passenger, Van L. Smith, 42, were charged with Possession of Cocaine and Trafficking Cocaine. Both charges are first degree felonies.

The two were incarcerated in the Scioto County Jail.

Bob Strickley can be reached at 353-3101, ext. 296, or bstrickley@civitasmedia.com.