Belmont County, OH – Multiple coordinated drug enforcement operations carried out across Belmont County this week led to several arrests and the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs, firearms, and suspected drug proceeds, according to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the operations, conducted between December 5 and December 10, targeted suspected drug trafficking activity in Martins Ferry, St. Clairsville, and along Interstate 70, highlighting ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of narcotics through eastern Ohio.
Search Warrant Executed in Martins Ferry
The first operation took place on Wednesday, December 5, when detectives from the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit, working alongside the Martins Ferry Police Department, executed a search warrant at a residence on Elm Street in Martins Ferry.
During the search, investigators allegedly recovered a firearm, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, and a quantity of suspected fentanyl, according to officials.
As a result of the search, Joseph Pernell Monroe, 26, of Martins Ferry, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including resisting arrest, possession of criminal tools, having weapons under disability, trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl.
Authorities also arrested Cody Wayne Briggs, 31, of Cameron, West Virginia, on an alleged charge of possession of fentanyl. A third individual, Tyler J. Medina, 28, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was not taken into custody at the scene; however, officials said an alleged fentanyl possession charge is being referred to prosecutors for review.
Arrest on Outstanding Warrant Leads to Additional Discovery
A second drug-related arrest occurred on Monday, December 9, when detectives took Samuel Jermaine Pete, 39, of Wheeling, West Virginia, into custody on an outstanding warrant related to alleged drug trafficking.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives reportedly found methamphetamine pills and crack cocaine at the time of Pete’s arrest. Investigators then conducted a follow-up search at a St. Clairsville hotel room linked to the suspect.
Officials say that search allegedly uncovered materials consistent with drug manufacturing, further expanding the scope of the investigation. Additional charges related to the findings may be pending as the case moves forward through the legal system.
Interstate 70 Traffic Stop Yields Major Drug Seizure
The largest seizure of the week occurred on Tuesday, December 10, during a traffic stop on Interstate 70, conducted with assistance from the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission.
During the stop, detectives allegedly seized four pounds of methamphetamine concealed to resemble rock salt, along with approximately two ounces of fentanyl and $2,000 in suspected drug proceeds.
Two individuals were arrested in connection with the stop: Hashim Addae Dunlap, 43, of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Destiny Nichole Earich, 27, of Wellsville, Ohio. Both face multiple felony drug charges, authorities said.
Sheriff: Suspects Qualify as Major Drug Offenders
Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack emphasized the significance of the seizures, noting that the volume of drugs involved meets Ohio’s legal threshold for enhanced penalties.
“The quantities seized during this traffic stop classify the suspects as Major Drug Offenders under Ohio law,” Zusack stated.
Under Ohio statutes, Major Drug Offender status can result in significantly longer prison sentences and increased fines upon conviction.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
Officials say the coordinated operations reflect a broader effort to curb the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, substances that continue to contribute to overdoses and drug-related crime across the region.
Authorities stressed that investigations remain ongoing and that additional charges or arrests may follow as evidence is reviewed by prosecutors.
Residents are encouraged to report suspected drug activity through local law enforcement tip lines, emphasizing that community cooperation plays a critical role in public safety efforts.
If you live in Belmont County or the surrounding area, how do you think drug enforcement impacts your community? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
