Lincoln Highway apt. searched for drugs

VW County Sheriff’s information

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach announced that the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force executed a drug search warrant on May 15.  Sheriff Riggenbach stated that, after an investigation into reported drug activity, investigators were able to obtain a search warrant for 10886 Lincoln Highway, Apt. 6, in Van Wert County.

Found inside the apartment were hypodermic needles, pain medicine patches, gel-caps containing an unknown substance, a pill cutter, digital scales and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, which were seized for evidentiary purposes:

Sheriff Riggenbach said three adults were found inside the apartment when the warrant was served.  No arrests were made at the apartment; however, the investigation will be forwarded to the Van Wert County Prosecutor’s office for review.

The sheriff also said that two young children were found in the apartment. The Sheriff’s Office contacted Van Wert County Children Services, which responded to the scene.

Sheriff Riggenbach advised that a nuisance abatement letter would be sent to the property owner to make him or her aware of what has been occurring at this property. The purpose of the nuisance abatement letter is to make the property owner aware of alleged illegal activity occurring on the owner’s property. The sheriff noted that the nuisance abatement letter directs property owners to take action in the hopes of abating any future illegal activity.

Sheriff Riggenbach said the law does allow for the seizure of property if property owners knowingly permit illegal activity to continue on their property.

The sheriff also asks anyone with information on drug activity to contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office. Area residents with information can call 419.238.3866 or use the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com and click on the “Submit a Crime Tip” link.  Anyone reporting information can remain anonymous.

People can also report information on other crimes by using the above options or by contacting Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP.  People can also remain anonymous when contacting Crime Stoppers.

The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force is comprised of Officers from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Lima Police Department, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and multiple State and Federal Agencies.  The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force operates within a multi-county area to combat drugs and major crimes.