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Portsmouth man arrested on multiple drug charges

By
Pike County Sheriff's Office, Press Release

Ohio Attorney General David Yost, Pike County Sheriff Tracy Evans, Pike County Prosecutor Michael Davis, Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, New Boston Police Chief Carl Compton, Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer and Scioto County Prosecutor Shane Tieman announced that a Portsmouth man has been arrested on drug-related charges and a firearm charge. 

On Tuesday, March 19, agents with the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force were contacted by New Boston Police for assistance in reference to a drug investigation. New Boston Police were dispatched to Gallia Street in New Boston, Ohio at approximately 1:33 p.m. in reference to a male passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle. Task Force agents arrived on scene and assisted in a search of the suspect’s vehicle.  

During the search, Task Force agents allegedly seized approximately 121 grams of suspected fentanyl, 37 grams of suspected cocaine, 53 Alprazolam pills, a 9mm handgun, various drug paraphernalia and $9,936 in US currency.

The estimated street value of the suspected drugs seized is $16,000.  

Robert E. Castle of Portsmouth was charged with possession of cocaine and fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine and fentanyl and having weapons while under disability. Castle was placed in the Scioto County Jail and was arraigned Wednesday, March 20 in the Portsmouth Municipal Court. 

Sheriff Evans requests anyone wishing to leave drug information for the Organized & Major Crimes Task Force should phone the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at (740) 947-2111, Task Force tip line at (740) 354-5656 or email drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. All information will be kept confidential and anonymous.


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