Driver Arrested in Ohio for Secret Car Compartment Full of Nothing

[Newsjock]

http://reason.com/blog/2013/11/21/driver-arrested-in-ohio-for-secret-car-c

Norman Gurley, 30, is facing drug-related charges in Lorain County, Ohio, despite the fact that state troopers did not actually find any drugs in his possession.

Ohio passed a law in 2012 making it a felony to alter a vehicle to add a secret compartment with the “intent” of using it to conceal drugs for trafficking.

Gurley is the first actual person arrested under the law.

... The law says it’s only a crime if the hidden compartment is added with the “intent” to conceal drugs, but it also outlaws anybody who has been convicted of felony aggravated drug trafficking laws from operating any vehicle with hidden compartments. The ACLU of Ohio warned against the new legislation.

[diabeticman]

1. For profit prison system at work again.

[liberal N proud]

5. This is what happens when you privatize

[Aerows]

2. What if someone buys a used car

and isn't aware that there is a secret compartment?

[eppur_se_muova]

3. Drugs have been smuggled inside gas tanks ...

if you have a gas tank in your car, prepare to defend yourself in court.

[Bandit]

9. Inside tires as well

IMO inside a tire is also a "secret" compartment.

[Wounded Bear]

4. Should have told them it was for his gun...

[NYC_SKP]

6. Yeah, but what if that nothing had been loaded?

What then?

[Holly_Hobby]

7. Our 2010 Dodge Journey had 2 secret compartments

Behind the front seats, underneath the carpet and mats. They came with the car. It was surprising to me at the time.

[Riftaxe]

8. Here is an actual news article

instead of an opinion piece.

First person in Northeast Ohio arrested under 'hidden compartment' law

The Law is a travesty and I can hardly see it lasting through an appeal. I would recommend the people of Ohio figuratively take a whip to their politicians who voted for such at the next chance at a ballot box.

The blogger pretty much posted most of the article, conveniently leaving out a few things of interest.