Portsmouth, Ohio – A late-night disturbance call in Portsmouth led to the arrest of a local man after deputies say they discovered a large quantity of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and trafficking tools during an on-scene investigation.
Deputies Respond to Reported Disturbance
According to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Saturday shortly after 8 p.m. near Clayton Court West. Deputies were dispatched following reports that a man was beating on a door and yelling at a woman, prompting concern for safety in the area.
Sheriff David Thoroughman said deputies from both the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Township Community Policing unit responded to the scene to investigate the disturbance.
Suspect Attempts to Leave the Scene
When law enforcement arrived, officials say Jason Blair, 33, attempted to leave the area in a silver Nissan Sentra. Deputies tried to initiate a traffic stop, but Blair allegedly attempted to drive around officers to avoid being detained.
A deputy then positioned their vehicle to block Blair’s exit, preventing him from leaving the scene. Officers were able to safely detain Blair without further incident.
Drug Paraphernalia Found During Search
During a search of Blair’s person, deputies discovered drug paraphernalia, which was later identified as being associated with methamphetamine use, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials say Blair then gave consent for deputies to search his vehicle.
Eight Prepackaged Bags of Meth Discovered
Inside the vehicle, deputies located a safe containing eight separate bags of prepackaged drugs. The substances were later confirmed to be methamphetamine.
Sheriff Thoroughman noted that a typical dose of methamphetamine is approximately 0.2 grams, highlighting the significance of the amount recovered during the search.
In total, deputies seized approximately 240 grams of methamphetamine, an amount consistent with large-scale drug trafficking rather than personal use.
Additional Items Seized
Along with the methamphetamine, deputies also recovered several items commonly associated with drug distribution, including:
- Digital scales
- Three cell phones
- Cash
- Evidence suggesting hidden compartments within the vehicle
Officials say these items further supported the conclusion that the drugs were intended for distribution.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Blair was arrested without incident and transported to the Scioto County Jail for booking.
He now faces multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs – felony of the 1st degree
- Aggravated Possession of Drugs – felony of the 1st degree
- Hidden Compartments in a Vehicle – felony of the 2nd degree
- Possession of Criminal Tools – felony of the 5th degree
- Drug Paraphernalia – misdemeanor of the 2nd degree
Under Ohio law, first-degree felony drug charges carry the potential for significant prison time if a conviction is secured.
Law Enforcement Emphasizes Public Safety
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the arrest stemmed from a response to a disturbance call, underscoring how routine patrol responses can uncover serious criminal activity.
Officials also stressed the dangers posed by methamphetamine trafficking, noting its strong links to violent crime, addiction, and community harm.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities indicated that this remains a developing investigation, and additional charges could be filed if further evidence emerges. It is also unclear at this time whether other individuals may be connected to the drugs seized.
Anyone with additional information related to drug activity in the area is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
Conclusion
What began as a response to a reported disturbance ended with the seizure of a large quantity of methamphetamine and the arrest of a Portsmouth man now facing multiple felony charges. Officials say the case highlights the continued efforts of deputies to address drug trafficking and protect community safety across Scioto County.
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