FAIRMONT, West Virginia – A law enforcement operation tied to an ongoing narcotics investigation led to the arrest of three men after deputies uncovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana mixed with fentanyl, mushrooms, and multiple items of drug-trafficking equipment inside a Marion County residence.
Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on December 2 as part of what authorities described as a sustained effort to disrupt local drug distribution networks. During the operation, several individuals were detained, including Travis Price, 33, Joey Shaffer, 53, and Steve Shaffer, 63, according to details in a criminal complaint filed following the search.
What Deputies Found Inside the Home
Investigators uncovered multiple controlled substances packaged and prepared in ways consistent with distribution. Deputies reported finding:
- 5.3 grams of powder testing positive for fentanyl
- 4.6 grams of a mixed substance testing positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine
- 8.8 grams of a green leafy material that field-tested positive for fentanyl
- 3.3 grams of a substance consistent with psilocybin mushrooms
The discovery of fentanyl mixed into marijuana is a growing concern for law enforcement, as accidental exposure can pose severe risks to unsuspecting users and first responders. The seizure highlights the unpredictable and dangerous nature of today’s illicit drug market, authorities noted in the investigation.
Additional Evidence Recovered During the Search
Beyond the narcotics, deputies reported finding several items commonly used in drug distribution operations. These included:
- Digital scales
- Packaging materials
- Cash
- Firearms
- Other drug-related paraphernalia
The presence of weapons alongside fentanyl and meth further elevates the severity of the charges and the risks associated with drug trafficking environments.
Arrests and Charges
All three men detained during the operation were taken into custody at the scene.
Price, Joey Shaffer, and Steve Shaffer are each charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, a felony under West Virginia law.
Authorities confirmed the men are currently being held at the North Central Regional Jail as the investigation continues.
Why Fentanyl Seizures Are Increasing
Fentanyl remains one of the most pressing drug threats in the United States. Even small quantities can cause fatal overdoses, and its presence in mixed substances—such as marijuana or methamphetamine—creates heightened public-safety risks. Officials across West Virginia have repeatedly warned the community about the spread of fentanyl-laced drugs.
Public health experts say that education, access to treatment resources, and continued enforcement are all essential to slowing overdose rates in the region.
Community Safety and Ongoing Investigations
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office continues to work alongside regional and state agencies to track distribution networks that are bringing fentanyl into local communities. While no additional suspects have been announced, authorities indicated the December 2 search warrant is part of a broader investigation that may lead to further arrests.
Anyone with information related to drug activity in Marion County is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
