OHIO — A drug investigation in Gallia County led to the arrest of four people and the seizure of drugs, cash, and firearms Thursday morning, according to the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office.
The drug bust took place in the 2000 block of Ohio Route 218. Deputies said the arrests followed the execution of a search warrant as part of a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional investigation involving the West Virginia State Police and the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies seized “a large quantity of narcotics, significant amounts of cash and multiple firearms” during the search.
The following individuals were arrested:
- Chris Blankenship, 33, of Gallipolis, Ohio
- Paul Miller, 39, of Point Pleasant, West Virginia
- Kara Newman, 29, of Point Pleasant, West Virginia
- Jason Blankenship, 43, of Crown City, Ohio
Deputies said Chris Blankenship was charged with possession of drugs. Miller, Newman, and Jason Blankenship were arrested on outstanding warrants. Authorities noted that additional charges are expected after consultation with the Office of Gallia County Prosecutor Jason Holdren.
“This operation reflects the strength of our partnerships across the region,” Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin said in a social media post. “The seizure of these narcotics represents lives that will be saved here in Gallia County and beyond.”
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
