A drug bust in Gallia County, Ohio, led to the arrest of four people and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, cash, and firearms, according to deputies.
The operation took place Thursday morning in the 2000 block of Ohio Route 218, the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies carried out the bust following a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional investigation involving the West Virginia State Police, the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force.
Authorities executed a search warrant at the location, where they seized what deputies described as “a large quantity of narcotics, significant amounts of cash and multiple firearms.”
The four individuals arrested were Chris Blankenship, 33, of Gallipolis, Ohio; Paul Miller, 39, of Point Pleasant, West Virginia; Kara Newman, 29, of Point Pleasant, West Virginia; and Jason Blankenship, 43, of Crown City, Ohio.
Deputies said Chris Blankenship was charged with possession of drugs, while Miller, Newman, and Jason Blankenship were taken into custody on outstanding warrants. Officials noted that additional charges are expected following consultation with Gallia County Prosecutor Jason Holdren.
“This operation reflects the strength of our partnerships across the region,” Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin said. “The seizure of these narcotics represents lives that will be saved here in Gallia County and beyond.”