Lake County Narcotics Agency

Lake County Narcotics Agency The Lake County Narcotics Agency strives to combat the drug problem through quality narcotics in­vestigations and community awareness.
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LCNA's leader­ship and personnel are fully committed to making a safe and drug-free commu­nity for all to enjoy.

DRUG TRAFFICKING SUSPECT ARRESTED:On May 20, 2024, LCNA Agents, along with Mentor Police Department and Lake County Sher...
08/15/2024

DRUG TRAFFICKING SUSPECT ARRESTED:

On May 20, 2024, LCNA Agents, along with Mentor Police Department and Lake County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Frank Leonbruno Detectives observed suspected drug activity in a business parking lot. Patrol officers attempted to stop a suspect car but the driver fled at high rates of speed and the pursuit was terminated for safety reasons.

LCNA agents identified the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant for drug trafficking. Agents referred the warrant to the US Marshal's Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, and on July 27, 2024, task force members located the suspect in the City of Euclid. He was arrested, and large amounts of suspected fentanyl and co***ne were recovered, along with a loaded handgun.

The suspect was transported to the Lake County Jail and additional charges related to this case will be pursued. The narcotics agency has one agent assigned to the violent fugitive task force, and this investigation is an example of the incredible work they do in taking the most dangerous offenders off the streets on a daily basis.

Our Narcotics Agents had a great time at Tuesday's National Night Out Against Crime event in Painesville. A special than...
08/15/2024

Our Narcotics Agents had a great time at Tuesday's National Night Out Against Crime event in Painesville. A special thanks to Painesville Police Department for coordinating the event. It was a great turnout and a reminder to all of us that the good greatly outweighs the bad, and we are all in this together!

08/06/2024

Driving under the influence of ma*****na

Today, Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the sale of recreational ma*****na products began here in Ohio and are currently available for sale at two approved dispensaries here in Lake County. It is important to make clear that Ohio law still makes it illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of ma*****na. If you are convicted of driving impaired under the influence of ma*****na you can have your license suspended for 1-3 years, face a mandatory jail term of 3-180 days, and a substantial fine. Further, you can be required to have restricted plates and be placed on probation for up to 5 years.

Think before you drink or use drugs and then get behind the wheel. It can have tremendous impacts on your life and the life of the people around you.

Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

Ohr hearts are with Officer Jacob Derbin’s family and friends, and our friends at the Euclid Police Department. “blessed...
05/13/2024

Ohr hearts are with Officer Jacob Derbin’s family and friends, and our friends at the Euclid Police Department.

“blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of god”

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY IS THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024:The Lake County Narcotics Agency is partnering with the DEA...
04/23/2024

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY IS THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024:

The Lake County Narcotics Agency is partnering with the DEA and University Hospitals Lake Health System to conduct a National Drug Take Back Day event this coming Saturday, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. LCNA staff will be at UH Lake West and Tri Point Hospital's main entrance areas to receive your unused/discarded prescription medications.

National Drug Take Back happens twice each year and is an effort to highlight the danger surplus medications present if they fall into the wrong hands. Medications should not be flushed down a toilet or washed down a drain, and this program offers residents a safe way to dispose of old medications.

There are several locations throughout the county that offer drop boxes on a continual basis throughout the year. Anyone who wishes to dispose of their unused or expired medications can do so anytime at drop boxes located at the following locations:

Mentor Police Department
8500 Civic Center Blvd.

Lake County Sheriff's
104 E. Erie St.

Willoughby Police Department
37600 Euclid Ave.

Eastlake Police Department
35150 Lakeshore Blvd.

Willoughby Hills PD
35405 Chardon Rd.

Madison Twp. Police Department
2065 Hubbard Rd.

Willowick PD
30435 Lakeshore Blvd.

04/15/2024

Lake County Narcotics Agents assisted Mentor and Willoughby Hills Police with this arrest.

04/04/2024
A RECAP OF 2023 DRUG TRENDS IN LAKE COUNTY:In 2023, Lake County Narcotics Agents, working with our local, state, and fed...
01/30/2024

A RECAP OF 2023 DRUG TRENDS IN LAKE COUNTY:

In 2023, Lake County Narcotics Agents, working with our local, state, and federal partners, seized over 74 grams of he**in, 180 grams of fentanyl, and more than 2,600 fentanyl pills. Agents also seized more than 11,550 grams of methamphetamine, which is more than 20 pounds of the drug. Additionally, 1,000 M**A tablets (usually methamphetamine and caffeine), 580 grams of co***ne/crack co***ne, 900 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and 1000 grams of ketamine were seized. Agents conducted more than 140 controlled drug buys, and served 28 search warrants.

The most notable trend for the year was the continued growth in methamphetamine trafficking in Lake County. The drug is a powerful and highly addictive synthetic stimulant that can cause serious and long term health issues. It is now the most common drug we encounter, and it's priced quite low, compared to other illegal drugs.

We continue to see large amounts of fentanyl as well, and it is most commonly encountered in the form of small blue pills. Fentanyl is a potentially fatal opioid, and the blue pills appear similar to prescription medication, increasing the potential of accidental overdose.

Finally, co***ne and crack co***ne continue to be commonly trafficked and abused here in Lake County. In 2023, agents seized more than one pound of the drug. Due to it's relatively high cost, we generally locate co***ne and crack in smaller quantities.

Narcotics agents were on duty and responded to assist Mentor Police with this incident.
11/17/2023

Narcotics agents were on duty and responded to assist Mentor Police with this incident.

At approximately 4:30 PM on November 16, 2023, the Mentor Police Department responded to a 911 call at the Mentor Greens Mobile Estates, located at 7166 Mentor Avenue, for shots fired. The first officer on scene found a 62-year-old

09/08/2023
LCNA AGENTS RECOVER A LARGE AMOUNT OF FENTANYL PILLS;  TWO MALES ARRESTEDOn Monday, July 31, 2023, during the early even...
08/03/2023

LCNA AGENTS RECOVER A LARGE AMOUNT OF FENTANYL PILLS; TWO MALES ARRESTED

On Monday, July 31, 2023, during the early evening hours, LCNA Agents, Painesville Police Officers, and a Lake County Sheriff's Detective were conducting surveillance at a Mentor Avenue apartment complex. Agents and officers observed suspicious activity and detained two men in a car in the parking lot.

Subsequent investigation resulted in the seizure of roughly 1,200 suspected fentanyl pills, and about $1,700 dollars in cash. The two men were transported to the Lake County Jail. One male was charged with 1st degree felony possession of a fentanyl related compound, and the other was charged with permitting drug abuse, a 5th degree felony. Additional charges will be referred to the Lake County Grand Jury.

Year to date, LCNA agents have seized roughly 2,500 fentanyl pills. In 2022, we seized more than 8,000 pills. While we still occasionally encounter fentanyl powder, pressed blue pills (seen in the pictures below) are; by far, the most common form of the drug we see. These pills are especially dangerous due to their small size, colorful appearance, and the potency of fentanyl in general.

"BRIDGE DAY" INTERDICTION EFFORT LEADS TO ARRESTS:On Wednesday, July 19, 2023 during the early evening hours, LCNA Agent...
07/21/2023

"BRIDGE DAY" INTERDICTION EFFORT LEADS TO ARRESTS:

On Wednesday, July 19, 2023 during the early evening hours, LCNA Agents, along with Wickliffe Police Detectives and Patrol Officers, conducted interdiction operations at hotels/motels and along the Euclid Avenue corridor. We conduct these operations with police departments throughout Lake County on a regular basis. This particular operation coincided with an outreach effort to connect people who have addiction/mental health issues with service providers. This was part of a state wide initiative known as "Bridge Day."

Agents and officers arrested two adult males, one for trafficking ma*****na to a juvenile, and the other for possession of methamphetamine. Both males are also facing weapons charges.

During a four-hour period, agents and officers seized about one ounce of crystal methamphetamine, three ounces of ma*****na, drug paraphernalia and a digital scale, several hundred dollars in cash, and two loaded handguns.

The suspect arrested for selling ma*****na to a juvenile had been arrested by Willoughby Police on drug trafficking charges four days earlier. In addition to the arrests, LCNA Agents referred six people to mental health/drug addiction providers.

https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/bridge-day-to-focus-on-outreach-in-all-counties

07/18/2023

Wanted:

Martin, Martha
Theft / Illegal Conveyance / Possession Co***ne
DOB: 08-07-1967
W/F 5’ 04’ /130 lbs. Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
Last Known Address: Lakeshore Blvd., Willowick Ohio

The person pictured below are Wanted by the Lake County, Ohio Sheriff’s Lake County Sheriff's Office

NEVER ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND A FUGITIVE YOURSELF !

Do not try to apprehend this individual yourself.

If you have information regarding this individual contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at:440.350.5620 or 1.800.899-5253 extension 5620

Do not try to apprehend this individual yourself.

https://www.lakecountyohio.gov/sheriff/most-wanted/

WILLOUGHBY SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO ARREST:On June 19, 2023 at about 2:00 pm, LCNA Agents, Willoughby Police Officers, an...
06/20/2023

WILLOUGHBY SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO ARREST:

On June 19, 2023 at about 2:00 pm, LCNA Agents, Willoughby Police Officers, and Detectives served a narcotics related search warrant at a Willoughby apartment. The warrant was part of an ongoing LCNA drug trafficking investigation.

During the search, agents located suspected fentanyl powder and pills, suspected crack co***ne, suspected powdered co***ne, suspected steroids, digital scales and cell phones with drug residue, and roughly $1,000.00 in cash.

A 38 year-old Willoughby man was arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl and possession of co***ne. The charges are 2nd and 3rd degree felonies, based on the amount of drugs seized. Additional charges of drug trafficking and possession of criminal tools will be forwarded to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office.

The male arrested is currently on parole for a prior drug trafficking conviction. This is one of many repeat offender cases pursued by LCNA agents over the last year. We try to focus our enforcement on these types of offenders, in an effort to interdict the flow of illegal narcotics into our communities.

DRUG INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST:On June 11, 2023 a 58 year-old Painesville man was arrested in connection with a Lake...
06/12/2023

DRUG INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST:

On June 11, 2023 a 58 year-old Painesville man was arrested in connection with a Lake County Narcotics Agency investigation involving the trafficking of methamphetamine. The investigation began in November of 2022, after drug activity at a Painesville home was reported to LCNA agents.

During the investigation, almost 60 grams of crystal methamphetamine was seized. The suspect is being held at the Lake County Jail on drug charges, including charges of trafficking methamphetamine in the vicinity of a school.

LCNA AGENTS SERVE SEARCH AND ARREST WARRANTS IN WILLOWICK:On May 8, 2023 at about 3:00 pm, Lake County Narcotics Agents ...
05/09/2023

LCNA AGENTS SERVE SEARCH AND ARREST WARRANTS IN WILLOWICK:

On May 8, 2023 at about 3:00 pm, Lake County Narcotics Agents capped a lengthy investigation by serving a search warrant at a residence in the 33000 block of Lakeshore Boulevard, near the Willowick-Eastlake border. Agents located about 30 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia, digital scales, and a large amount of needles.

A 26 year-old female resident was arrested on a probation violation warrant. A 36 year-old male was also arrested on a probation violation warrant. Both subjects were booked into the Lake County Jail.

A total of more than one quarter pound of methamphetamine was recovered during this entire investigation, and charges of drug possession and drug trafficking will be forwarded to the Lake County Grand Jury.

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAYThis Saturday, April 22, 2023 is National Drug Take Back Day. You can dispose of expired/unwa...
04/18/2023

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

This Saturday, April 22, 2023 is National Drug Take Back Day. You can dispose of expired/unwanted medications at University Hospitals Tri-Point Medical Center or Lake West Medical Center from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

You can also drop your medications at Willowick PD, 30435 Lakeshore Blvd, on this date. This is an opportunity for the public to bag up any old or discarded medicines and dispose of them in a safe manner.

National Drug Take Back happens twice each year and is an effort to highlight the danger surplus medications present if they fall into the wrong hands. Medications should not be flushed down a toilet or washed down a drain, and this program offers residents a safe way to dispose of old medications.

04/11/2023

*********UPDATE: The Willowick Officer has been released from the hospital and is resting at home. Thank you for all of the well wishes.

On April 11, 2023 at approximately 0330 hrs. Willowick Police officers were alerted by FLOCK camera systems of a stolen vehicle in the area of the Willowick/Eastlake city border. A Willowick officer responded to this area and was operating Eastbound on Willowick Dr when it located the stolen vehicle operating Westbound on Willowick Dr. At this time the stolen vehicle was operating towards the responding officer’s cruiser at a high rate of speed after fleeing from Eastlake Police officers. The stolen vehicle continued recklessly at a high rate of speed and struck the Willowick officer’s cruiser head-on, immediately disabling both vehicles. The driver of the stolen vehicle attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by the Willowick officer from the damaged cruiser. An injured passenger remained in the stolen vehicle and was later taken into custody. Both the driver and passenger of the stolen vehicle were taken to the hospital for injuries related to the crash. The Willowick Police officer was also transported to the hospital and remains in stable condition at this time. Criminal charges are still pending at this time. This incident will be updated when new information can be released.

SAFETY ALERT:We are starting to see xylazine and other synthetic opioid compounds mixed in with fentanyl here in Lake Co...
04/03/2023

SAFETY ALERT:

We are starting to see xylazine and other synthetic opioid compounds mixed in with fentanyl here in Lake County. This is a dangerous trend as some of these compounds are resistant to Narcan (naloxone).

LAKE COUNTY NARCOTICS AGENTS AND WILLOUGHBY POLICE ARREST TWO PEOPLE IN CONNECTION WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT:On Mar...
03/21/2023

LAKE COUNTY NARCOTICS AGENTS AND WILLOUGHBY POLICE ARREST TWO PEOPLE IN CONNECTION WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT:

On March 20, 2023 at about 3:45 pm, narcotics agents were conducting surveillance in the parking lot of a Willoughby business. Agents observed a female who appeared to be acting as a lookout while a male was seen nearby looking underneath several pick-up trucks. Agents approached and found the male underneath a truck using a reciprocating saw to cut through an exhaust and steal the catalytic converter. Agents detained the two suspects and contacted Willoughby Police.

After additional investigation, Willoughby Patrol officers arrested the two suspects. The male; 43 years-old from Wickliffe, was charged with theft, vandalism, and possessing criminal tools. The female; 48 years-old from Wickliffe, was charged with possessing criminal tools, illegal conveyance, and possession of methamphetamine.

SAFETY ALERT:A number of recent newspaper and TV News articles have highlighted a growing nationwide drug threat known a...
02/24/2023

SAFETY ALERT:

A number of recent newspaper and TV News articles have highlighted a growing nationwide drug threat known as Xylazine. Lake County Narcotics Agents have encountered this drug during recent investigations. We are seeing it mixed in with fentanyl, and it is just one more example of the extreme dangers associated with illicit opioid use.

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/xylazine

https://nypost.com/2023/02/21/skin-rotting-drug-tranq-infiltrates-big-cities-zombifying-bodies/

Xylazine — also known as “tranq dope” and “zombie drug” — is wreaking havoc with its devastating effects: It can literally rot the user’s skin.

PAINESVILLE DRUG INVESTIGATION LEADS TO SEARCH WARRANT AND ARREST:On Friday, February 10, 2023 at about 12:00 pm, the La...
02/14/2023

PAINESVILLE DRUG INVESTIGATION LEADS TO SEARCH WARRANT AND ARREST:

On Friday, February 10, 2023 at about 12:00 pm, the Lake County Narcotics Agency, Painesville Police Department, Lake County Sheriff's Office, and Lake County Probation Department served search and arrest warrants at a Painesville apartment in connection with an ongoing drug investigation. A 35 year-old female resident of the apartment was arrested on a probation violation warrant. She was also wanted on criminal charges by the Wickliffe and Euclid Police Departments. LCNA will forward additional charges involving drug trafficking, drug possession, and tampering with evidence to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office for indictment.

During this investigation and subsequent search warrant, agents recovered roughly $800.00 worth of crack co***ne, 90 suspected fentanyl tablets, 10 suboxone strips, drug paraphernalia, and over $1,400.00 in cash. This is a fairly typical LCNA case, in that it highlights our targeting of a repeat offender and involves coordination with several law enforcement agencies.

FUGITIVE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH ONGOING DRUG INVESTIGATION:On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, LCNA Agents, Lake County...
02/07/2023

FUGITIVE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH ONGOING DRUG INVESTIGATION:

On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, LCNA Agents, Lake County Sheriff's Deputies, Willoughby Police Officers, and members of the US Marshal's Service arrested a 33 year-old Cleveland man in the parking lot of a Willoughby shopping center. The man was wanted on numerous arrest warrants, including felony arrest warrants from the Madison Township Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff's Department. The arrest capped a months long drug trafficking investigation that resulted in the seizure of more than 600 fentanyl tablets, $1500.00 in cash, and smaller amounts of suspected co***ne and fentanyl powder.

The suspect was booked into the Lake County Jail on his open arrest warrants, and numerous felony drug trafficking and possession charges will be referred to the Lake County Grand Jury.

A LOOK BACK AT 2022:During 2022, the Lake County Narcotics Agency investigated more than 90 cases, executed 27 search wa...
12/13/2022

A LOOK BACK AT 2022:

During 2022, the Lake County Narcotics Agency investigated more than 90 cases, executed 27 search warrants at residences or hotels/motels, and seized more than 15 fi****ms. The following amounts of illegal narcotics were recovered in these cases:

More than 8,200 fentanyl pills
123 grams of fentanyl powder
More than 2,770 grams of co***ne/crack co***ne
1,030 grams of black tar he**in
Over 1,300 ecstasy (M**A and/or methamphetamine) pills
More than 1,200 grams of methamphetamine
100 unit doses of L*D
More than 900 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
Over 1,000 THC gummies and v**e cartridges
More than 36 pounds of ma*****na

The most disturbing trend we saw in 2022 was the increasing amounts of fentanyl being marketed as blue pills, similar to prescription oxycodone tablets. Agents work cases that last weeks, or sometimes months, in an effort to interdict the flow of illegal narcotics into Lake County. We also have one agent assigned on a full time basis to the Cleveland DEA office to assist us in tracing our seizures back to their sources, often in Cuyahoga County.

Another reminder on the dangers of fentanyl and other opiates:
12/08/2022

Another reminder on the dangers of fentanyl and other opiates:

DEA has issued a warning after testing at their laboratory revealed 6 out of 10 pills confiscated are fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills.

Tomorrow (October 29, 2022) is National Drug Take Back Day. You can dispose of expired/unwanted medications at Universit...
10/28/2022

Tomorrow (October 29, 2022) is National Drug Take Back Day. You can dispose of expired/unwanted medications at University Hospitals Tri-Point Medical Center or Lake West Medical Center from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

You can also drop your medications at Willowick PD, 30435 Lakeshore Blvd. This is an opportunity for the public to bag up any old or discarded medicines and dispose of them in a safe manner.

National Drug Take Back happens twice each year and is an effort to highlight the danger surplus medications present if they fall into the wrong hands. Medications should not be flushed down a toilet or washed down a drain, and this program offers residents a safe way to dispose of old medications.

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAYThis Saturday, October 29, 2022 is National Drug Take Back Day. You can dispose of expired/un...
10/24/2022

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

This Saturday, October 29, 2022 is National Drug Take Back Day. You can dispose of expired/unwanted medications at University Hospitals Tri-Point Medical Center or Lake West Medical Center from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

You can also drop your medications at Willowick PD, 30435 Lakeshore Blvd, on this date. This is an opportunity for the public to bag up any old or discarded medicines and dispose of them in a safe manner.

National Drug Take Back happens twice each year and is an effort to highlight the danger surplus medications present if they fall into the wrong hands. Medications should not be flushed down a toilet or washed down a drain, and this program offers residents a safe way to dispose of old medications.

10/07/2022

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Most Wanted addition:

Cole, Ryan Matthew
Trafficking

Caucasian Date of Birth: 04-19-1996
Height: 6' Weight: 165 lbs Hair: Brown Eyes: Hazel
Last Known Address: Brown Dr., Ashtabula

If you have information regarding this individual contact the Lake County Sheriff's Office at:440.350.5620 or 1.800.899-5253 extension 5620

Do not try to apprehend this individual yourself.

Law Enforcement Officers:
Use NCIC verification protocols before making an arrest based on this information.

For More Most Wanted go to our website at:
https://www.lakecountyohio.gov/sheriff/most-wanted/

Wickliffe PD is hiring patrol officers:
09/30/2022

Wickliffe PD is hiring patrol officers:

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Painesville, OH

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