St. Clairsville, OH – Multiple coordinated drug operations across Belmont County this week resulted in several arrests and significant seizures of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and suspected drug proceeds, according to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.
The first incident occurred Wednesday, December 5, when the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit and Martins Ferry Police executed a search warrant on Elm Street in Martins Ferry. According to officials, detectives allegedly located a firearm, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, and suspected fentanyl.
Joseph Pernell Monroe, 26, of Martins Ferry, was arrested on charges that include resisting arrest, possession of criminal tools, having weapons under disability, trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl.
Cody Wayne Briggs, 31, of Cameron, WV, was also arrested on alleged possession of fentanyl. A third individual, Tyler J. Medina, 28, of Wheeling, WV, was not booked, but charges of alleged fentanyl possession are being referred to prosecutors.
On Monday, December 9, detectives arrested Samuel Jermaine Pete, 39, of Wheeling, WV, on an outstanding warrant for alleged drug trafficking. During the arrest, officials reportedly found methamphetamine pills and crack cocaine. A follow-up search of a St. Clairsville hotel room allegedly uncovered drug manufacturing materials.
A third operation took place Tuesday, December 10, during a traffic stop on Interstate 70 conducted with assistance from the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission. Detectives reportedly seized four pounds of methamphetamine disguised as rock salt, two ounces of fentanyl, and $2,000 in suspected drug proceeds.
Hashim Addae Dunlap, 43, of East Liverpool, and Destiny Nichole Earich, 27, of Wellsville, were arrested on multiple felony drug charges. Sheriff James Zusack stated the quantities classify the suspects as “Major Drug Offenders” under Ohio law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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