Portage County, OH – A routine traffic stop along Interstate 80 in Shalersville Township allegedly escalated into a major drug seizure this week, leading to the arrest of a Michigan man and a federal investigation.
According to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Wednesday when deputies assigned to the Portage Aggressive Crime Enforcement (P.A.C.E.) Unit conducted a stop for minor traffic violations. Authorities say the situation quickly developed into a larger investigation after the driver allegedly displayed several criminal indicators during the encounter.
Investigators identified the driver as 29-year-old Armani Webb of Ecorse, Michigan. Deputies allege that a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of four individually wrapped bags containing a white powdery substance, with a total weight of nearly half a pound. Webb allegedly admitted during questioning that the substance was fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid linked to overdose deaths nationwide.
Webb was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office. Due to the severity of the case, deputies contacted federal partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration, who responded and have allegedly taken over the investigation for potential federal charges.
Authorities said the case will be presented to a federal grand jury for indictment. Officials emphasized that what began as a minor traffic stop allegedly resulted in removing a significant amount of dangerous narcotics from the community.
The sheriff’s office also reiterated its ongoing efforts to patrol major interstate corridors like I-80 and the Ohio Turnpike, noting that such enforcement plays a key role in combating drug trafficking and enhancing public safety across the region.
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