CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Chillicothe police executed a no-knock search warrant Thursday at a residence on 438 East Water Street, seizing suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, officials said. The warrant, signed Jan. 29, was part of an ongoing investigation into methamphetamine trafficking and receiving stolen property. The investigation targeted Steven Laplante, 48, and other residents at the property. Danee Smith, 37, Laplante’s girlfriend, was also residing at the home and had an active municipal court warrant for drug paraphernalia.
Chillicothe’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team assisted with the early-morning operation. Officers used loud hails and public address announcements to order occupants to exit the home. After no response, the SWAT team breached the front door and a first-floor window to gain entry.
Six adults were detained without incident.
During the search, officers seized approximately 14 grams of suspected methamphetamine, glass pipes, burnt tin foil, syringes, and other drug paraphernalia. Miscellaneous ammunition was also found in the detached garage.
Smith was transported to the Ross County Jail and served her active warrant. Laplante faces charges for possession of drug abuse instruments and drug paraphernalia, and was also booked into the county jail. Both were held without bond pending a court appearance today.
The case remains under investigation, and additional charges for drug possession are pending laboratory analysis by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.