METRICH conducts drug sweep

The METRICH Enforcement Unit, with help from a number of other agencies, conducted a countywide drug sweep Thursday.

"This was a great operation, but there is still a lot of work to be done," METRICH project director and city police Chief Dino Sgambellone said. "METRICH will continue to proactively pursue those individuals who choose to sell drugs in our community."

METRICH and the Allied Special Operations Response Team conducted two search warrants as part of the sweep. The first targeted 287 Bartley Ave. Detectives arrested Reginald Scott, who was charged with multiple felonies. Detectives seized marijuana, pills, drug paraphernalia and cash.

The second search warrant was served at 542 Woodland Ave. Detectives arrested Xvaion Jones, who was also charged with multiple felonies. Detectives seized heroin, drug paraphernalia, a stolen loaded handgun and cash. There were three small children in the home. Richland County Children Services was called.

METRICH and the U.S. Marshal's Violent Fugitive Task Force are seeking 39 suspects who were indicted with a total of 85 felony drug charges. Lt. Ken Coontz said the sweep was the result of many long-term drug investigations conducted by METRICH detectives. The task force has already arrested 25 suspects in connection to the drug sweep. Anyone with information is asked to call METRICH 419-755-9728 or the task force at 866-492-6833 or 419-774-3565. Other participating agencies were the Mansfield Police Department, Richland County Sheriff's Office, Ontario Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Shelby Police Department and
the Ohio Highway Patrol.

Originally published in the News Journal on September 21, 2012.