Several individuals wanted in connection with an Ohio drug ring were taken into custody as part of a joint investigation between local police and the FBI. Authorities say that 18 people were indicted on a federal level while 37 more were indicted on a state level. Of those indicted on the federal level, 12 were in police custody while 13 individuals wanted at the state level were in custody.
Authorities say that among those in custody was a man suspected of supplying heroin to other dealers in the Mahoning Valley area. Another man in custody was suspected of trafficking both heroin and cocaine. Police say that when compared to other operations targeting gangs, this one involved less violence, and authorities say that only one assault rifle was recovered. Police say that two of the men involved in the trafficking ring used guns to protect both the drugs and money related to the drug trafficking.
In addition to drug charges, police allege that those involved used cellular phones, code words and code phrases were also used to commit the crime. At a press conference, an FBI agent remarked that he had never before seen the level of cooperation that took place during the joint operation. According to police, most of the men and women who were indicted as part of the two-year investigation were unemployed.
Drug charges are serious and may come with penalties such as prison time, probation, a fine or a combination of these. Those who are facing drug charges may wish to talk to a criminal defense attorney. An attorney may be able to dispute the charges in court, which may result in a defendant winning an acquittal on those charges. An attorney may also assist an individual negotiate a plea agreement to avoid some or all potential penalties in a drug case.
Source: WKBN, “55 indicted in area drug sweep“, Gerry Ricciutti, December 10, 2014