WEST PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — A routine traffic stop on State Route 104 turned into a major drug bust Monday evening after investigators seized nearly 900 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine from a vehicle in Scioto County, authorities announced Tuesday.
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and Portsmouth Police Department say the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force, working in coordination with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, had been conducting an ongoing investigation that led to the stop. At approximately 7:39 p.m. Monday, April 6, a state trooper pulled over a vehicle on State Route 104 in West Portsmouth for traffic violations.
During the stop, probable cause was established to search the vehicle. Investigators seized approximately 803 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 6 grams of suspected crack cocaine — with a combined estimated street value of $35,960.
Two people were arrested at the scene: Randy Stevens, 56, of West Portsmouth, and Jessica Darby, 28, of Portsmouth. Both were charged with trafficking in drugs and possession of drugs, each a first-degree felony. They were booked into the Scioto County Jail and were scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Portsmouth Municipal Court.
The case is expected to be forwarded to the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office for presentation to a grand jury, where additional felony charges could be considered.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman and Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer are asking anyone with drug-related tips to contact the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force tip line at 740-354-3784 or by email at [email protected]. All tips are kept confidential and anonymous.
Stevens and Darby are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.