A late-night traffic stop in Portsmouth turned into a major drug bust after deputies allegedly uncovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and more than $1,200 cash inside a vehicle.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced the arrests following the May 20 stop on US 52 near Cole Avenue.
Deputies initially pulled over a black Chevrolet after learning the vehicle’s registered owner had active warrants.
🚨 PASSENGER HAD WARRANT — THEN DRUGS STARTED TURNING UP
When deputies made contact, they discovered the registered owner was not inside the vehicle.
However, the male passenger reportedly had an active Scioto County warrant.
During a search connected to that arrest, deputies allegedly discovered a plastic bag containing a large amount of suspected methamphetamine on the passenger side.
Deputies then detained the female driver.
According to the sheriff’s office, before officers even told her about the drugs, she allegedly made an unsolicited statement denying ownership of the items.
⚠️ DRUGS FOUND INSIDE CRUISER
After the driver was placed in a patrol vehicle, deputies later reportedly discovered a silver container in the cruiser containing multiple baggies filled with a white powdery substance.
Investigators say the passenger later admitted responsibility for the narcotics found inside the vehicle and allegedly told deputies he had recently purchased a half-pound of methamphetamine.
Deputies then reportedly located additional suspected crack cocaine and fentanyl—commonly referred to on the street as “Slow”—inside a black box in the back seat.
Authorities say:
- 238 grams of narcotics were seized
- Estimated street value was around $9,000
- $1,264 cash was also confiscated as suspected drug proceeds
⚖️ BOTH HELD UNDER BOND
Corey Bertram, 31, of Garrison, Kentucky, was charged with:
- Aggravated possession of drugs
- Aggravated trafficking in drugs
- Additional aggravated possession charges
Sara Lansing, 29, of Portsmouth, was charged with:
- Aggravated trafficking in drugs
- Tampering with evidence
Both appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court and were ordered held under bond pending a preliminary hearing on May 29.
👀 PAROLE STATUS ADDS ANOTHER LAYER
According to records, Bertram is currently on parole in Kentucky connected to a dangerous drugs conviction.
His supervision reportedly began just last month after receiving a five-year sentence in 2025.
Lansing also has previous arrests involving:
- Criminal trespass
- Drug paraphernalia
- Tampering with evidence
🚔 LOCAL AGENCIES CONTINUE TARGETING DRUG TRAFFICKING
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Scioto County deputies and local drug investigators to target trafficking activity moving through Southern Ohio.
Authorities continue warning that fentanyl remains especially dangerous because even tiny amounts can be deadly.