A significant narcotics operation in Ohio has led to the seizure of 10 kilograms of cocaine and the arrest of a suspect, as announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck. The investigation was carried out by the Miami Valley Major Drug Task Force.
"Drug traffickers beware – Ohio is not a destination for your poison," stated Yost. "Thanks to Sheriff Streck and our OOCIC task force, 22 pounds of cocaine will not wreak havoc in our communities."
The task force discovered individuals transporting drugs across the country using public transportation. On January 9, Maurice Sallis, aged 46, was apprehended in Dayton with a suitcase containing the cocaine.
Sheriff Streck highlighted the significance of this seizure: "Taking 10 kilos of cocaine off the streets is no small feat. It’s thanks to the coordination and commitment of this task force that we can prevent these dangerous drugs from reaching our neighborhoods." He added that such efforts contribute to reducing crime and preventing overdoses.
The seized cocaine holds an estimated street value close to $1 million, with federal drug trafficking charges expected against Sallis.
Homeland Security Investigation Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar commented on the importance of collaborative efforts: "These partnerships continue to disrupt drug trafficking organizations and are important milestones to holding traffickers accountable."
The Miami Valley Major Drug Task Force operates under the attorney general's Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission and involves multiple law enforcement agencies including local sheriff's offices, police departments, state patrols, Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecutors' offices. The investigation is ongoing.