PORTSMOUTH — A drug trafficking ring involving individuals from Portsmouth, that were distributing heroin and cocaine is in the process of being dismantled, according to an announcement on Friday by Scioto County Sheriff Marty V. Donini and Portsmouth Police Chief Robert Ware.
Eradicating the drug trafficking ring is the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force and the Ohio Highway State Patrol, according to reports.
On Feb. 24, 2016, Southern Ohio Drug Task Force detectives arrested Norma L. Carroll, 40, of Summit Street Portsmouth, Harold D. Slark Jr., 43, of Summit Street Portsmouth, Tiffany N. Bussler, 34, of Clover Street Portsmouth, Cassie D. Hall, 30, of Timmonds Ave. Portsmouth, Natalie J. Moore, 30, of Summit Street Portsmouth, and Kenyatta D. Connally, 41, of 3rd Street Portsmouth on warrants to arrest on indictment for multiple counts of felony drug trafficking and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a felony of the first degree.
In early February, the task force along with the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office presented the case to a Scioto County Grand Jury, which resulted in the indictment of the arrestees as well as Christopher L. Eckstein, 36, of Summit Street Portsmouth, Michele Deshon Booth, 42, of High Street Portsmouth, Amber Dawn Cummings, 38, of High Street Portsmouth, and Cory Brandon Partlow, 37, of Woodland Avenue Portsmouth.
Eckstein and Booth are currently serving sentences with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for crimes not related to the case. Authorities warn that Cummings and Partlow are at large and being sought by law enforcement.
Approximately 100 grams of heroin, 30 grams of cocaine, over $9,000 cash, and property believed to be derived from the proceeds of drug trafficking were seized during the investigation.
Authorities said individuals arrested were placed in or already being held in the Scioto County Jail and are waiting to be arraigned in Scioto County Common Pleas Court.
Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Cummings or Partlow can contact the task force tip line at 740-354-5656, the Portsmouth Police Dept. at 740-353-4101, the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office at 740-354-7566, or email [email protected].
Sheriff Donini and Chief Ware would like to thank the public for their assistance in the case and request anyone wishing to leave drug information for the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force; to contact the Task Force tip line at 740-354-5656 or email [email protected]. All information will be kept confidential and anonymous.
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