Portsmouth Police seized $70,000 in drugs, cash, and guns when they busted up a drug ring that sold meth in Portsmouth and Scioto County. The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Portsmouth Police, the FBI, and the Montgomery County R.AN.G.E. Task Force to catch the drug dealers.
The investigation started ten-months ago. In early March, the Scioto County Prosecutor gave evidence to a grand jury and obtained 19 secret indictments for felony drug charges.
Five Dayton men were arrested:
- Johnny Smith III
- Alexander Dillard
- D’Alize Releford
- Kali Releford
- Michael Blair
Also arrested were Samuel Holmes of 3rd St. Portsmouth, Ohio, Anthony Robert Benton of 3rd St. Portsmouth, Ohio, Selena Darby of Wayne Ave. Portsmouth, Ohio, Kyrie Menz of 20th St. Portsmouth, Ohio, Kendra Bauer of Mabert Rd. Portsmouth, Ohio, Haleigh Gordan of Robinson Ave, Portsmouth, Ohio, Dara Ruggles of Robinson Ave Portsmouth, Ohio, and Travis Grier of Scioto Trail Portsmouth, Ohio. All were booked at the Scioto County Jail.
Officers seized 5 and 1/2 pounds of meth, 112 grams of fentanyl, and 70 grams of cocaine. In addition to the drugs, cops seized 15 firearms and $25,000 in cash. The estimated street value of the drugs is $70,000.
Three of the guys who were indicted were not arrested because they’re already in jail on other drug convictions. Three are still at large. Seven other people were also indicted on drug charges in the same case. They’ll be arrested later.
Sheriff Donini and Chief Brewer wish to thank the tactical medics from the Portsmouth Fire Department, the Portsmouth Police Department S.W.A.T. Team, investigators from the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Security Department with the Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing Authority for their assistance during the course of the drug investigation. Several of those arrested resided at PMHA properties.
If you have any information about drug activity, call the confidential tipline at (740) 354-5656 or email [email protected].
