On Friday February 21, 2020 a collaborative investigation “Operation Ice Market” between the Fairfield-Athens Major Crimes Unit, Columbus Division of Police, Reynoldsburg Police Department, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation that began in November of 2019 resulted in the execution of two search warrants in Columbus targeting a drug trafficking operation responsible for supplying large quantities of methamphetamine to Fairfield, and Franklin Counties. Those warrants resulted in the arrest of a Columbus man, the seizure of more than three (3) pounds of methamphetamine, more than an ounce of suspected Fentanyl, cocaine, four semi-automatic handguns and $13,381.00 in cash.
Arrested and transported to the Franklin County Jail was John Allen III 36 of 156 Stevens Avenue Columbus an identified member of the “Choke-N-Kill Bloods” street gang. Allen was booked on a charge of having weapons under disability a felony of the third degree. Additional charges related to this investigation are expected in the coming weeks.
Investigators conducted searches at an auto detailing business operated by Allen at 1354 E. 5th Avenue in Columbus and at a residence located at 2068 Woodlawn Ave Columbus where Allen was known to reside. Located during these searches was;
1. Approximately 3.3 pounds of Methamphetamine
2. Approximately 30 grams of Fentanyl
3. Approximately 3.5 grams of Cocaine
4. Four semi-automatic handguns (One reported stolen)
5. $13,381.00 in U.S. Currency
6. Digital scales and drug packaging materials
The investigation and its successful outcome were a direct result of the close working relationship between the Major Crimes Unit and the Columbus Division of Police Drug Crimes Bureau and its Violent Crimes Intelligence Unit as well as the Reynoldsburg Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Collaborative efforts like this which maximize and share resources are critical in stemming the flow of illegal drugs and disrupting drug trafficking organizations who don’t differentiate between geographical boundaries.
