Six people charged following drug bust in Ohio

OHIO — Six people have been indicted in connection with an alleged interstate drug trafficking ring that moved large quantities of narcotics from California to Ohio, federal prosecutors announced.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the indictment was unsealed on August 12 and outlines a conspiracy that is alleged to have operated between February 2023 and April 2024.

Investigators say the operation funneled drugs into Ohio through airline baggage and packages shipped via the U.S. Postal Service. Federal agents seized more than 33 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of cocaine, and multiple firearms during the probe.

Those charged from Ohio include Terrance Gainer, 28, Anthony Clark, 30, Darquan Dixon, 26, and Allura Ward, 24. Prosecutors allege the four played roles in transporting drugs across state lines. Two California residents, Genaro Villa, 38, and Najiyah Martin, 46, are accused of supplying and facilitating the shipments.

Court documents describe several details of the alleged conspiracy, including Clark sending Villa photos of cash for drug payments and Martin sending Clark a photo of a cocaine brick that weighed less than expected. In April 2024, prosecutors say Gainer directed Dixon to travel to California with cash and return with drugs.

Dixon allegedly flew back to Ohio carrying cocaine and methamphetamine in his luggage.

Ward picked him up at the Cincinnati airport, but their vehicle was stopped by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Troopers discovered more than 17 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of cocaine, and a firearm during the stop.

The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative, which targets major criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking.