A coordinated drug investigation in Belmont County led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected narcotics on Friday, authorities confirmed.
According to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, detectives from the Criminal Interdiction Unit, working alongside regional task forces, executed four search warrants on April 10. The raids took place at two residences on Noble Street in Bellaire, another property on West 36th Street in Shadyside, and a hotel in St. Clairsville.
The operation was the result of a month-long investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Marshall County and Ohio Valley Drug Task Forces. During the searches, officials recovered approximately 328 grams of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, along with $4,759 believed to be linked to drug activity.
Authorities identified those arrested as Alena Robinson, 24; Tranez Minnifield, 27; Kodi Rines, 25; Kendel Hall, 34; and Christin Robinson, 45. The charges range from drug trafficking and possession to child endangerment and permitting drug abuse. All five were booked into the Belmont County Jail.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting the dangerous nature of fentanyl and its impact on communities. Additional support during the operation came from neighboring sheriff’s offices and local police departments, highlighting a continued regional effort to combat drug-related crimes.
