Springfield Township, OH – A routine traffic stop turned into a major drug bust on Sunday morning after police discovered over 48 grams of methamphetamine concealed inside a fake oil can, according to the Springfield Township Police Department.
The Incident: Traffic Stop Leads to Unexpected Discovery
Around 11:39 a.m. Sunday, Officer Jon McKenzie and his K9 partner, Rex, conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram near Massillon Road and Krumroy Road after observing multiple traffic violations. The driver, identified as 49-year-old Robert Butterbaugh of Norton, was pulled over as part of routine patrol operations.
Police said Butterbaugh denied consent for officers to search the vehicle. In response, K9 Rex was deployed for an open-air sniff, during which he alerted to the presence of narcotics near the driver’s side of the truck.
That alert prompted a full vehicle search — and what officers discovered was both cleverly concealed and incriminating.
Investigation and Evidence: Meth Found in Fake Oil Can
During the search, officers located a fake oil can that had been hollowed out to hide over 48 grams of methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia, unidentified pills, and packaging materials consistent with drug trafficking activity.
The police report described the concealment method as “sophisticated but not uncommon”, noting that traffickers often use household containers or car parts to disguise illegal substances during transport.
“We commend Officer McKenzie and K9 Rex for their exceptional teamwork and vigilance in keeping dangerous drugs off our streets,” the department wrote in a Facebook post following the arrest.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Following the discovery, Butterbaugh was arrested and transported to the Summit County Jail. He faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Trafficking in Drugs
- Possession of Drugs
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Authorities confirmed that the seized methamphetamine has been sent for laboratory testing to determine its exact purity and street value. Early estimates suggest the meth could have a street value exceeding several thousand dollars.
Police said additional charges could be filed pending the outcome of the investigation.
Department Reaction and Community Impact
Springfield Township police praised the work of their narcotics division and the ongoing success of their K9 program, emphasizing how such collaborations have been key to reducing drug trafficking in the area.
“This arrest demonstrates the importance of proactive policing and the critical role our K9 teams play in intercepting illegal drugs,” the department said.
Local officials also credited the incident as an example of community-based policing success, noting that routine traffic enforcement can often lead to major narcotics arrests that protect residents from harmful substances.
Background: Growing Meth Problem in Ohio
According to data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, methamphetamine seizures have risen steadily over the past five years. Law enforcement agencies across the state have reported an increase in synthetic drug trafficking, often tied to interstate routes and rural distribution networks.
Summit County authorities have warned residents that meth remains one of the most dangerous and addictive substances circulating in Ohio, contributing to rising overdose rates and violent crime in certain areas.
The Springfield Township Police Department continues to coordinate with county and federal task forces to combat large-scale drug operations.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As of Monday, Butterbaugh remains in custody pending an initial court appearance. Investigators are working to determine where the drugs originated and whether other individuals were involved in distribution efforts.
Authorities said K9 Rex will receive a commendation for his alert that led to the discovery. The department also plans to release bodycam footage once the investigation is complete and all evidence has been reviewed.
Conclusion
The arrest of Robert Butterbaugh marks another success for Springfield Township police in their fight against local drug trafficking. Officers say the discovery highlights the effectiveness of trained K9 units and the importance of routine enforcement in keeping the community safe.
What are your thoughts on this case and the growing drug problem in Ohio? Share your opinions in the comments below.
