×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Drugs, Guns and Cigarettes Found During Search

The Belmont County Drug Task Force on Monday served a search warrant at the Moss Run Carryout and the residence of owner Michele Staskey, both located on St. Joe Merritt Road in Bellaire, resulting in her arrest on drug charges,

In the search, officers discovered three to four pounds of marijuana along with a small indoor garden. Two pistols and a large caliber gun were seized, as well as $1,244.

Officers were also informed that Staskey was selling cigarettes with West Virginia tax stamps. The task force contacted the Ohio Department of Taxation, which seized 13 cartons of cigarettes.

Charges will be filed on it.

According to Drug Task Force Commander John McFarland, the search warrant was the result of three controlled buys, two from the store and one from the residence.

While the task force was handling the search warrant on the business, a driver for a garbage company stopped and informed the officers that a bag of garbage from Belle Village was smoking. The driver believes it was part of an active meth lab.

The officers found blister packs of Sudafed, lithium batteries, two gas generators and cold packs and tubing. The bottles inside of the bag were melted and burnt. Officers neutralized and disposed of them.

“The search warrant went as planned and the officers did a great job as always,” McFarland said. “These officers are working hard to keep the drug problem in the county under control.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today