MAUMEE — Two Colorado men were arrested on felony drug charges after the Ohio Highway Patrol seized 16 pounds of hydroponic marijuana from a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation Monday near this Lucas County community, authorities said.

Michael Carty, 44, the driver, and passenger, Erwin Koston Jr., 44, both of Denver, each were charged with drug abuse and trafficking in drugs, both third-degree felonies. The passenger also was charged with possession of methadone, a fifth-degree felony, according to the patrol. They were being held in the Lucas County jail pending arraignment.

Troopers stopped a 2012 Infinity FX35, with Colorado registration, for following too closely about 9:33 a.m. on the Ohio Turnpike, about a mile west of the Maumee exit. A drug-sniffing dog then led troopers to the drugs concealed in the vehicle. The seized drugs have a street value of about $80,000, troopers said.

If convicted, the driver could face 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine; the passenger could face 11 years in prison and a $12,500 fine.

First Published January 10, 2012, 1:20 p.m.