Task force busts Delphos drug house

Delphos PD information

DELPHOS — Members of the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force culminated an investigation of a suspected drug house in Delphos with the execution of a search warrant at the house, located at 221 Cherry St., at approximately 10:42 a.m. Monday.

Members of the task force, as well as the Allen County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, served the search warrant. Officers found a small quantity of marijuana, some unidentified pharmaceutical substances and several items of drug paraphernalia in the residence.

Two adults were also inside the residence when the warrant was served. No arrests were made at the scene; however, the case will be forwarded to the Van Wert County Prosecutor’s Office for its review. Once an individual has been formally charged, that individual’s name will be released to the media.

As police officials were entering the home, they encountered two large-breed dogs that seemed aggressive. The dogs were not harmed during entry into the residence, but were caged for the duration of the search. The Van Wert County Dog Wardens Office responded to the scene to assist.

Once police officials entered the home they found it to contain living conditions not suitable for the juvenile who lives there. Due to this, police contacted Van Wert County Children’s Services. The caseworker opened an investigation into the unsanitary living conditions and suspected drug activity occurring within the home.

A nuisance abatement letter will be sent to the property owner making him/her aware of what is occurring on this property. The purpose of these letters is to make property owners aware of alleged illegal activity occurring within their homes. Property owners are directed to take actions in the hopes of abating any future illegal activity. The law does allow for the seizure of property if the property owners knowingly permit illegal activity to continue within their homes.

The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force is comprised of officers from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Lima Police Department, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and multiple state and federal agencies. This task force operates within a multi-county area to combat drugs and major crimes.