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Four Arrested in Multi-State Drug Investigation

WHEELING — Four individuals from Wheeling and Cleveland were arrested Thursday as local law enforcement executed multiple search warrants in area homes as part of a multi-state drug trafficking investigation.

Agents from the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force and the Belmont County Drug Task Force searched residences on North Broadway, North Huron and South Penn streets on Wheeling Island as well as on Noble Street in Bellaire, said William Ihlenfeld, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, during a Friday press conference. There they found cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, three firearms and $4,000 in cash. Additionally, a Mercedes-Benz was seized in relation to the investigation.

“These are dangerous people that we are dealing with here,” Ihlenfeld said. “There’s a difference between selling something to feed their addiction and those who come to the area to prey on people. We are going to pursue everyone as aggressively as we can that are selling drugs purely for profit.”

Arrested on drug and gun charges during Thursday’s operation were Clarence Bertram, 24, of Wheeling; Dontrell Ivery, 38, formerly of Cleveland, and now of Wheeling; and Terrell Bruce Allen, 32, of Cleveland. Niamah Assamad, 36, of Wheeling, was also arrested for an outstanding warrant for felonious assault.

According to Ihlenfeld, all four suspects had lengthy criminal histories, as well.

“The people on Wheeling Island have had enough,” said Ihlenfeld, “We are going to use every tool we have to help them.”

According to Ihlenfeld, there are also more arrests and local charges, as well as federal charges, to come.

Additionally, Ihlenfeld said landlords renting to individuals engaging in these crimes “will be put on notice” and can be pursued for knowingly allowing these acts to occur on their properties.

“We are appreciative of tips,” he said. “We listen to all of them, even though we can’t always immediately act on them.”

While authorities said this case is far from over, Friday’s announcement sends a message regarding the communication and cooperation of multi-state and federal law enforcement agencies in the area.

“While we have to follow jurisdiction lines, criminals don’t,” added Martins Ferry Police Chief John McFarland.

Ohio County Sheriff Pat Butler said it takes a significant amount of time for operations such as Thursday’s to come together.

“This week’s execution of federal search warrants is just continuing proof of the success of the drug task force, and the cooperation of city, county, state and federal authorities,” Butler said.

“I know citizens get impatient when they see obvious drug operations in their neighborhood. However, these investigations take time.”

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