Woodsfield, Ohio – Deputies in Monroe County say a routine banking errand took an unexpected turn when a man accidentally sent a bag of methamphetamine through a bank’s drive-thru pneumatic tube, triggering a criminal investigation and arrest.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 46-year-old Jason G. Smith was taken into custody after a bank employee reported receiving a small bag containing a crystal-like substance during a transaction on December 3. Testing later confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.
Incident Overview
Authorities say the unusual discovery happened at a bank in Woodsfield, a quiet town roughly 120 miles east of Columbus. A bank employee contacted deputies after opening the tube container and spotting what appeared to be illegal drugs mixed in with routine banking documents.
Deputies say the item arrived through the same pneumatic air tube used by customers for deposits and withdrawals.
How Investigators Identified the Suspect
During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Smith had inadvertently included the meth with his transaction and sent it through the tube without realizing it. Officials described the incident as an accidental “unexpected deposit.”
Authorities searched for Smith and eventually located him in nearby Wayne Township with assistance from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Additional Drugs Found in Suspect’s Vehicle
After Smith was detained, deputies conducted a search with the help of a police K-9. Officers say they recovered additional suspected drugs and drug-related items from the suspect’s truck. Smith was later transported to the Monroe County Jail.
As of the latest update, the sheriff’s office says specific charges have not yet appeared on the Monroe County court’s public docket.
Sheriff Issues Public Warning on Illicit Drug Disposal
In announcing the arrest, Sheriff Derek Norman offered a reminder to residents about safely turning in illegal substances.
“Illegal drugs don’t belong in bank drive-thrus — but they can be turned in at the Sheriff’s Office. No charges, no handcuffs, just help,” Norman said. “We’d much rather safely take them off the street than see another unexpected ‘deposit.’”
Community Safety Context
Local officials say this case highlights how banking staff continue to serve as an unexpected line of defense in identifying suspicious items. Deputies also noted that drive-thru banking systems, while convenient, can occasionally bring unusual surprises that require immediate law-enforcement response.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious materials or activity found during financial transactions to local authorities.
What Happens Next in the Case
Smith remains in custody as investigators continue reviewing evidence recovered from the scene and the suspect’s vehicle. Additional updates are expected once formal charges are filed and entered into public court records.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you ever witnessed or experienced an unusual incident at a bank drive-thru? Share your experiences in the comments below.
