Portsmouth man arrested on drug charges

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman reports that on Saturday, Dec. 27, the Scioto County 911 communication center received a call at 8:08 p.m. about a disturbance allegedly occurring at a West Portsmouth address.

The Washington Township Community Policing Deputies, along with other deputies, responded to the call.

Deputies were advised that a male was allegedly beating on a door, screaming at a female. Upon their arrival, deputies located a male subject attempting to leave in a silver Nissan Sentra. Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop when the driver allegedly tried to drive around them. The driver of the Nissan was blocked in by one of the deputies, and he was unable to leave the area.

Deputies detained and searched the suspect and allegedly located drug paraphernalia and what was later identified as ice (methamphetamine). 

The suspect gave deputies consent to search the vehicle, during which eight bags of prepackaged drugs were allegedly located in a safe. The drugs were later identified as methamphetamine, and the weight was 65 times bulk amount. Other items allegedly located were scales, three cell phones and cash. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Scioto County Jail without incident.

Arrested was Jason E Blair, 33, of Portsmouth. Blair has been charged with aggravated trafficking in drugs, a felony of the first degree; aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the first degree; hidden compartments in a vehicle, a felony of the second degree; possession of criminal tools, a felony of the fifth degree; and drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that the quick response by the Washington Township deputies, along with their skillful observations, allowed them to remove a large amount of drugs off of the streets. This plays a vital role in keeping the streets of Washington Township and Scioto County safe.