K9 Tega shines in traffic stop that leads to drug bust – Peak of Ohio

A routine traffic stop in Lakeview on Sunday resulted in a major drug bust, thanks largely to K9 Tega, a police dog trained to detect narcotics. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. when officers stopped 34-year-old Paul Shoffner of Belle Center for driving with an obscured license plate.

During the initial encounter, Shoffner was overly nervous, which made officers suspect further problems. To assist, sniffer dog Tega was called to the scene. Tega sniffed the vehicle outside and quickly alerted officers by sitting next to the driver's door – an indication of the presence of narcotics.

Deputy Shoffner's person and vehicle were searched. While nothing was found on him, a search of the trunk resulted in the discovery of a clear glass pipe and a small baggie containing a white crystal-like substance identified as methamphetamine. The total weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 2.42 grams.

Shoffner was arrested and charged with fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance and fourth-degree possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Logan County Jail where he was booked. The seized items are being analyzed by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.