PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Two Columbus men were arrested Thursday morning after authorities seized suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, cash and other evidence during a drug trafficking investigation in Portsmouth.
According to the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force, the arrests followed an investigation that led to a law enforcement operation at approximately 7:11 a.m. Thursday at a residence in the 2800 block of Gallia Street.
The operation involved detectives with the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force, the Portsmouth Police Department SWAT team and additional Portsmouth police personnel.
Authorities identified the suspects as 26-year-old Al’Jurdon Christian Gooch and 23-year-old Christian Ray Jackson, both of Columbus.
Investigators said officers recovered approximately 118 grams of suspected fentanyl and 87 grams of crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $24,720.
Gooch and Jackson were each charged with first-degree felony trafficking in drugs and first-degree felony possession of drugs.
Jackson was also taken into custody on an outstanding murder warrant from Columbus.
A search warrant executed at the residence also resulted in the seizure of digital scales and other evidence believed to be connected to drug trafficking. Authorities also seized $1,014 in cash from the two suspects.
Both men were booked into the Scioto County Jail and are scheduled to be arraigned in Portsmouth Municipal Court at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7. Authorities said both are being held without bond.
The investigation remains ongoing and will be presented to the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration by a Scioto County grand jury.
