Two people were arrested Monday after a search by the METRICH Enforcement Unit turned up drugs, money and a semi-automatic handgun at 140 Wood St.
Frederick Van Thurman, 35, and Courtney L. Cooper, 24, were charged with drug trafficking and drug possession after the search. Van Thurman also faces charges of receiving stolen property and having weapons while under disability.
With assistance from ASORT, the Mansfield Police Department Major Crimes Unit, the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, METRICH served two search warrants at the 140 Wood St. apartment complex, in apartments 205 and 314. Authorities said Cooper and Van Thurman were living in apartment 205 and were also renting apartment 314.
During the search, detectives seized 3 grams of crack cocaine, 3.5 grams of heroin, 3.5 grams of suspected Fentanyl, 118 tablets of Tramadol, 49 Oxycodone tablets, $3,072 in U.S. currency and a stolen .40 Glock 23 semi-automatic handgun.
This was a two-month long investigation which was initiated from citizen complaints of drug trafficking from individuals at the 140 Wood St. apartment complex.
Lt. Joy Stortz warns the public on the deadly effects of ingesting or inhaling Fentanyl if not being used at the direction of licensed physician.
Citizens are encourages to stay proactive by reporting suspected drug activity. Citizens can call the METRICH crime tip hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or 419-755-9728.
Citizens may report suspicious activity to the crime hot lines at:
419-522-7463 and www.METRICH.com.
