LIMA, Ohio – A 43-year-old Lima resident is behind bars after investigators uncovered cocaine, firearms, and cash during a Tuesday search at a South Scott Street property. Officials say the discovery was made as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation led by the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force.
Incident Overview
Authorities initiated a search warrant operation on November 26, 2025, targeting a residence located in the 600 block of South Scott Street. The operation was carried out by the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force, with tactical support from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.
According to officials, the warrant was part of a continuing effort to address drug-related activity in the area. The search led to the discovery of illegal narcotics, several weapons, and thousands of dollars in cash.
Timeline of Events
Investigators reported that the search began in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Prior intelligence had linked the home to suspected drug activity, prompting authorities to secure the warrant and plan a coordinated entry.
A statement from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office revealed that a similar warrant had been executed in the same block just one day earlier, on November 25, 2025, as part of the same investigation. During that operation, officials also targeted drug trafficking indicators and collected additional evidence.
An official report released by the sheriff’s office and task force provided detailed findings from the November 26 search, which included the seizure of 15 firearms, $4,700+ in cash, and approximately 28 grams of cocaine.
Details From Police and Officials
During the search, officers located resident Ryan Holbrook, who was inside the home at the time of the raid. The task force confirmed that Holbrook, born October 14, 1982, was taken into custody without incident.
Authorities say that investigators recovered:
- 15 firearms
- $4,700–$4,741 in U.S. currency
- Approximately 27.7–28 grams of cocaine
Holbrook was transported to the Allen County Jail, where he is being held on a possession of cocaine charge (2925.11A C4e).
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the investigation remains active.
Officials’ Statements
Investigators emphasized the importance of teamwork between local agencies in addressing drug-related crime.
In an official release, the sheriff’s office noted:
“The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force executed a search warrant with the assistance of the Allen County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. team. The resident, Ryan Holbrook, was located and taken into custody.”
Law enforcement also highlighted the continuing efforts required to maintain safety in neighborhoods where illegal narcotics activity has been reported.
Impact on the Community
The South Scott Street area has seen an increase in police presence due to ongoing narcotics investigations. Discoveries involving firearms and cocaine, such as those found in Holbrook’s home, raise concerns about the potential for violence and the risks posed to residents, especially families living nearby.
Drug activity often has broader consequences, affecting not only those involved but the surrounding community. Cocaine trafficking, in particular, has been linked to spikes in property crimes, disturbances, and unsafe living environments.
Community members have previously reported concerns about suspicious activity in certain parts of Lima. While officials did not specify what led to the warrant, narcotics task forces typically rely on surveillance, tips, and ongoing case information.
Public Safety and Awareness
Authorities encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior. Efforts like the South Scott Street search are often supported by community observations that help investigators identify patterns of drug distribution.
Police also emphasized that the recovery of multiple firearms from a single residence underscores the potential dangers linked to drug-related crimes. Firearms combined with narcotics significantly increase risks for violent encounters, accidental harm, and illegal trafficking.
Residents are urged to contact law enforcement or drug task force hotlines if they observe unusual traffic, strange odors, or activity consistent with narcotics operations.
Conclusion
The arrest of Ryan Holbrook and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash mark a significant development in Lima’s ongoing efforts to combat narcotics-related crime. With the investigation still active, officials say additional details may emerge as evidence is processed.
Have you noticed increased police activity, drug concerns, or safety issues in your neighborhood? Share your experiences in the comments below.
