CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In the culmination of a months-long investigation, members of the Chillicothe Police Department executed a narcotics-related search warrant at 368 East 7th Street on Monday.
The Chillicothe Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) was called in to assist with the execution of the search warrant. Upon entering the premises, law enforcement officers discovered several individuals inside, including three minors aged 15 years to 8 months old.
Following the detainment of the occupants, a thorough search of the residence was conducted, leading to the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit substances. The confiscated items included over 80 grams of suspected Fentanyl, approximately 5 grams of Crack Cocaine, and around 5 grams of Methamphetamine.
During the search, authorities also found and seized a blender suspected to have been used for cutting Fentanyl. The blender was located in a bedroom belonging to residents Andy and Chelsea Weaver. Mr. Weaver admitted to using the blender for illicit purposes within the residence, where his children and grandchildren also resided. It is important to note that Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that can have lethal consequences if consumed.
At the scene, both Mr. Weaver and Mrs. Weaver were charged with three counts of Child Endangerment and subsequently transported to the Ross County Jail. Another occupant of the residence, Mark Melott, was discovered hiding in a bathroom and was arrested on charges of Possession of Drugs. He was also taken to the Ross County Jail.
The suspected narcotics seized during the raid will be sent to the Bureau of Criminal Investigations Crime Lab for testing. Authorities plan to file additional charges based on the results of the lab analysis.