OHIO — Four people were arrested following a drug trafficking investigation at a local hotel, according to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the investigation began April 30, 2026, involving detectives from the Criminal Interdiction Unit, the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, the St. Clairsville Police Department and the Barnesville Police Department.
As officers approached a vehicle connected to the investigation, two of the suspects allegedly fled but were quickly located and taken into custody.
The suspects were identified as Michael Claytor, 19; Eric Jones, 18; Rishun Jones, 22; and Terry Hopkins, 23, all of Youngstown, Ohio.
All four were booked into the Belmont County Jail on charges including possession and trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. Claytor and Rishun Jones also face additional charges of resisting arrest.
During the investigation, officers seized approximately 17 grams of cocaine, 72 grams of fentanyl and 306 grams of methamphetamine.
Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.
