Hocking County Sheriff Lanny E. North reports that on April 11, 2012, Deputy Matt Witryk stopped a vehicle containing two occupants for a traffic violation on U.S. 33 near State Route 328. Upon speaking with the driver, a male age 29, of Belpre, Deputy Witryk noticed indicators of drug activity in the vehicle. Deputy Witryk requested assistance from Captain Alford and his K9 partner “J”. K9 “J” alerted on the vehicle and a subsequent search revealed approximately 17 grams of heroin, over 3 pounds of marijuana, over $1,500 in cash and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
Two men were arrested and are currently charged with possession of heroin pending further investigation. Additional drug and weapon charges will be considered by the Hocking County Grand Jury at a later date. Both were transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail to await their initial appearance in Hocking County Municipal Court.
