One arrested after Fostoria drug bust

A Fostoria man was arrested early Wednesday morning on a first-degree felony drug trafficking charge after law enforcement executed a search warrant at his Columbus Avenue residence.

According to a release from the Seneca County Drug Task Force - METRICH Enforcement Unit, Lamar L. Cartlidge, 33, was arrested and charged with trafficking in heroin after law enforcement searched his residence, 610 Columbus Ave., and found money and criminal tools.

METRICH Unit Coordinator Chuck Boyer said it was the task force's second search warrant at the residence within the last month and a half. The trafficking in heroin charge stemmed from the first search warrant, he said.

Boyer said law enforcement had been waiting for the prosecution process following the first search when reports of Cartlidge allegedly selling drugs started to come in, prompting the second search.

Cartlidge may face additional charges of trafficking gin crack cocaine pending the conclusion of the drug investigation, according to the release. He currently is being held at Fostoria city jail.

The other resident of the home was not arrested Wednesday, Boyer said.

"Our investigations are leading us to the sources who are distributing heroin in the city of Fostoria and throughout Seneca County, which also has a direct correlation with other violent crimes in the community," said Capt. Patrick Brooks of the Fostoria Police Department.

Citizens are encouraged to continue to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement agencies or to the METRICH Crime Hotline at (877) 446-DRUG or (419) 443-0463.

Originally published in the Tiffin Advertiser Tribune on October 3, 2013.