Norwalk Township, OH – Authorities have arrested seven individuals following a narcotics search warrant executed on Wednesday in the 5100 block of U.S. Route 250 North, uncovering suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and drug trafficking materials, according to Norwalk police.
The Incident: Search Warrant Leads to Multiple Arrests
Norwalk Police Chief Scott Dahlgren confirmed that the operation was part of an ongoing joint investigation into narcotics trafficking in the Norwalk area. The coordinated effort involved assistance from the Huron County Sheriff’s Office, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huron County Dog Warden’s Office.
“During the execution of the warrant, we did get suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl,” Dahlgren said. “They also had some scales, bags, and we collected electronic devices, cell phones, laptops, and some other paraphernalia items.”
Officers found numerous items linked to drug distribution, including scales, baggies, and cash, indicating that the residence was being used for trafficking operations. All seven suspects were taken into custody without serious resistance.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
According to police, the search warrant was executed after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering as part of a regional crackdown on meth and fentanyl distribution networks in northern Ohio. The evidence seized included drug packaging materials, cash, and digital devices that investigators believe were used to facilitate drug sales.
Chief Dahlgren confirmed that the suspected drugs will be sent for laboratory testing, and the case will be presented to a grand jury for potential additional trafficking charges.
“Usually there’s always somebody bigger in a sense,” Dahlgren explained. “But we don’t have anything right now saying that it’s connected to a larger organization. We were investigating them and the drug trafficking from that residence into our community.”
Authorities have not linked the suspects to a broader narcotics network but say investigations remain ongoing.
Charges and Suspects Identified
The following seven suspects were arrested and booked into the Huron County Jail, facing a variety of drug-related charges:
- David Oxenger, 42, Norwalk: Trafficking in drugs, permitting drug abuse
- Amy Clark, 57, Cleveland: Trafficking in drugs, permitting drug abuse
- Terra Howard, 41, Bellevue: Trafficking in drugs, permitting drug abuse
- Preston Thorne, 37, Norwalk: Permitting drug abuse
- Kari Thorne, 34, Norwalk: Permitting drug abuse
- Tamara Harlan, 48, New London: Permitting drug abuse, obstructing official business, resisting arrest
- Tammy Michael, 58, Norwalk: Permitting drug abuse
All seven suspects remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
Safety During Operation and Police Statement
Chief Dahlgren emphasized that the raid was conducted safely, and no officers or civilians were injured during the operation.
“There were no weapons used, no taser, no pepper spray—none of that had to be deployed,” he said. “They were mostly cooperative. They didn’t necessarily come out of the house as fast as we were ordering them to, but they all eventually came out.”
The Norwalk Police Department expressed gratitude to the partnering agencies for their assistance and praised the professional coordination during the search and arrests.
Background and Community Impact
The arrests come amid a broader regional effort to combat methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking in Huron County and surrounding areas. Law enforcement agencies across Ohio have intensified operations targeting residential drug hubs that serve as local distribution points.
Officials say these efforts aim to disrupt small- to mid-level suppliers before the drugs reach broader circulation in the community. Residents have been encouraged to report suspicious activity as police work to stem the rising tide of synthetic opioid and meth use in the region.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Huron County Prosecutor’s Office will now review the evidence for potential indictments. Additional charges may be filed if investigators uncover further links to drug trafficking operations or organized supply chains.
Authorities continue to investigate the sources of the drugs found at the Norwalk residence and whether the group had ties to regional suppliers.
Conclusion
The seven arrests mark a significant development in Norwalk Township’s fight against illegal narcotics distribution. While investigators continue to analyze evidence, police are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of drug activity to local law enforcement.
What are your thoughts on this case and ongoing drug enforcement efforts in Ohio? Share your opinions in the comments below.
