A Virginia man is facing serious felony charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers reportedly discovered more than five pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop in Belmont County.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers stopped a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox with Virginia registration on State Route 331 near St. Clairsville on June 4 at approximately 1:26 p.m. The registration on the vehicle had been disabled.
During the stop, troopers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view, leading to a probable cause search of the vehicle. The search allegedly uncovered 5.6 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $304,000.
The driver, identified as 35-year-old Charlie Chavarria of Centreville, Virginia, was taken into custody and booked into the Belmont County Jail.
Chavarria has been charged with possession of drugs, a first-degree felony, possession of drug paraphernalia, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, and operating a vehicle impaired.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol stated that anyone with information regarding suspected drug trafficking or drug-related activity on Ohio roadways can report it by dialing #677.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
