Despite law enforcement's best efforts, drug smugglers are finding ways to sneak supplies into our state. In some cases drugs are hidden in plain sight.


Drug dealers and smugglers are doing whatever it takes to sell off supplies on the streets. And they're sly when stashing drugs like heroin, cocaine and marijuana inside hidden compartments.


"This is a tool of their trade, it's a tool of their craft," Sgt. Kurt Beidelschiez said, Ohio State Highway Patrol. "It's very difficult often times for law enforcement to find it."


The patrol takes possession of vehicles after compartments are discovered. Inside two vehicles, the OSP showed 21 News how the taillights housed illegal contraband and the floor of a trunk was transformed into a hiding place for drugs.


The vehicles must be crushed soon after, because hidden compartments are illegal on Ohio roadways.


The patrol knows it's dealing with sophisticated smugglers and they're hiding places are becoming more creative.


"Years ago it just used to be the guy with the duffle bag of heroin or cocaine in the truck, it doesn't really work like that anymore," Beidelschiez said.


Some compartments activate electronically. The flip of a switch and a simple seat adjustment forced the back lights of a Chevy Silverado, confiscated by OSP, to open.


A state law passed in 2012 banned knowingly possessing hidden compartments in vehicles that are designed to conceal elicit drugs or evidence. For troopers, it's new way to dismantle drug organizations. 


If caught, the punishments could be steep- with charges ranging up to a second degree felony.


The heroin epidemic plays a significant role in enforcement, with overall drug citations growing.


More than 7,000 violations were tallied in 2012, more than 9,000 in 2013 and over 11,000 in 2014.


Since 2012, OSP has rounded up 24 cases of hidden compartment violations and counting. The law is proving to be another tool for them to fight the epidemic that's showing no signs of slowing down.