Ohio Man Charged After Police Find 11 Pounds of Suspected Cocaine in Traffic Stop
An Ohio man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say they found five kilograms of suspected cocaine during a traffic stop on Interstate 90.
According to court documents, Christopher James Hill, 29, of Parma, Ohio, was arrested on July 18, 2025, after a Lake County Sheriff’s Department highway interdiction officer conducted a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Malibu for a windshield obstruction near the 37-mile marker. The vehicle, a rental, was occupied by Hill and another male passenger.
The officer became suspicious after noting inconsistencies in the men’s travel stories and requested a K9 unit. A police dog conducted a free-air sniff and alerted to the odor of narcotics.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located three tightly wrapped cellophane packages inside a gray backpack in the rear passenger area. Two additional packages were found inside a red bag. Based on the packaging and the officer’s experience, the substance was believed to be cocaine. The total weight of the suspected drugs was approximately five kilograms, or 11 pounds.
Both individuals were detained at the scene. Hill later allegedly admitted to federal agents that the packages belonged to him, though he did not confirm their contents. He was booked into the Porter County Jail. The other occupant was released from the scene.
Charges were formally filed on July 22, 2025.
Charges Filed Against Christopher James Hill:
• Dealing in Cocaine (more than 10 grams) – Level 2 Felony
• Dealing in Cocaine (Possession with Intent) – Level 5 Felony
• Possession of Cocaine (more than 28 grams) – Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Cocaine (less than 5 grams) – Level 6 Felony
