METRICH says 13 of 27 drug suspects arrested

Law enforcement spent Thursday sweeping Richland County for drug suspects.

The METRICH Enforcement Unit, assisted by ASORT, the Mansfield Police Department and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force searched for 27 defendants wanted on 65 drug-related indictments. Of those, 13 have been arrested, according to a METRICH news release.

Authorities served drug-related search warrants Thursday at 107 Crouse St. and 117 Willow St.

The 107 Crouse St. warrant involved an investigation that began after complaints of possible drug activity. Detectives seized 3.5 grams of crack, prescription drugs, a loaded Hi-Point 9mm handgun, a loaded Rossi .38-caliber handgun and $515 in cash.

Andrais Lawrence was arrested on two fourth-degree felony counts of drug trafficking, one fifth-degree felony count of drug trafficking and a fifth-degree felony possession of cocaine charge, the news release said.

The search warrant at 117 Willow St. also involved complaints of drug activity. Detectives seized crack, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Tracey Minard was arrested on two fourth-degree felony counts of cocaine trafficking, a fourth-degree felony heroin trafficking charge, and possession of cocaine, the release said.

Young children were found in both residences and Richland County Children Services responded to the scenes. Both Lawrence and Minard will have additional charges presented to the Richland County Prosecutor's Office for review, according to authorities.

The task force also reported finding a marijuana growing operation at 3 Summit Ave. in Shelby. Shelby police officers and METRICH detectives seized illegal property. Charges will be forwarded to the Richland County Prosecutor's Office.

Originally published in the News Journal on March 20, 2015.