January 10, 2025, Press Release from the the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (DAYTON, Ohio) — A long-term narcotics investigation has resulted in the seizure of 10 kilograms of cocaine and the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck announced today. “Drug traffickers beware – Ohio is not a destination for your poison,” Yost said. “Thanks to Sheriff Streck and our OOCIC task force, 22 pounds of cocaine will not wreak havoc in our communities.” During its investigation, the Miami Valley Major Drug Task Force identified individuals transporting narcotics across the country via public transportation. On Jan. 9, Maurice Sallis, 46, was arrested in Dayton and found to be in possession of a suitcase containing 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of cocaine.   

Press Release from the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Law enforcement task forces organized under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) confiscated more than $92 million in illegal drugs in 2024, along with 560 firearms and $4.7 million in currency, Ohio Attorney General Yost announced today. “The number of illegal drugs and weapons taken off our streets this year is impressive thanks to our drug task forces, but the true measure of their success is the countless lives spared from overdoses and addiction,” Yost said. “I’m grateful to every sheriff and police chief, along with our federal partners, who fuel our efforts to thwart drug trafficking.” Under AG Yost’s leadership, OOCIC task forces have seized more than 288,000 prescription pills, 1,154 pounds of fentanyl, 1,994 pounds of cocaine and 2,334 firearms since 2019.

December 17, 2024, Press Release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Northern District of Ohio: CLEVELAND – Ronald Rendon-Luna, 37, a Mexican national residing in Painesville, Ohio, has been sentenced to 151 months in prison by U.S. District Chief Judge Sara Lioi, after he pled guilty to engaging in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and being an alien in possession of firearms. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.

Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol filed felony drug charges against a man from Dayton following a traffic stop in Scioto County on Sunday. During the traffic stop, troopers seized 90 grams of cocaine worth more than $8,000. Shortly before 11 p.m. on November 3, troopers stopped a 2022 Chevy Malibu with a Tennessee registration on state Route 348 for a marked lanes violation. While interacting with the driver, 29-year-old Davion Black, troopers observed drug residue and a firearm inside the vehicle. A plain view search was performed and 90 grams of cocaine, worth approximately $8,100, and a firearm were collected from the car.

August 13, 2024, Press Release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio: YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Javier Eduardo Gutierrez-Quintana, 47, of El Paso, Texas, has pleaded guilty to possession of 20 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute. According to court documents, on May 31, 2024, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) officers encountered the defendant who was driving a commercial vehicle bearing a Texas license plate and registration. A second OSHP officer deployed a K-9 near the defendant’s vehicle, and it subsequently gave a positive signal for the odor of narcotics.

June 27, 2024, Press Release from the Allen County Sheriff's Office: On June 25, 2024, the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force, in conjunction with the FBI’s Northwest Ohio Safe Streets Task Force and assisted by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. Team, executed a search warrant at a residence on the 3000 block of Allentown Road (Lima, Ohio). The resident, Brandon Maitlen (DOB 01-03-1990), was present and taken into custody on a probation violation. A second related search warrant was executed at a residence on the 100 block of Bellwood Drive (Lima, Ohio).