CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A local man is behind bars following a high-profile traffic stop that uncovered tens of thousands of dollars in illegal narcotics, marking the latest arrest under a multi-county anti-drug initiative.
Roger Moore Jr., of Chillicothe, was taken into custody by a coalition of law enforcement agencies as part of the ongoing “Appalachia Overwatch” enforcement surge.
Traffic Stop Uncovers Bulk Drugs
According to a release from the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, the arrest began when a vehicle was pulled over in Chillicothe. During the initial interaction, law enforcement officers spotted drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle in plain view.
The discovery prompted a probable cause vehicle search, which yielded significant quantities of hard drugs. Investigators uncovered and seized:
- Approximately 9 ounces of suspected methamphetamine
- Approximately 2 ounces of suspected cocaine
Task Force officials estimate the total street value of the confiscated narcotics at nearly $27,000. Photos released from the bust show bulk baggies filled with a white, powdery substance alongside smaller, individually wrapped packages prepared for distribution.
According to Ross County court documents, Moore has been formally charged with:
- Trafficking in Drugs (Schedule I or II): First-Degree Felony (F1)
- Trafficking in Drugs (Containing Cocaine): First-Degree Felony (F1)
- Possession of Drugs (Schedule I or II Substance): First-Degree Felony (F1)
- Possession of Drugs (Cocaine): First-Degree Felony (F1)
- Drug Paraphernalia: Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor (M4)
A Unified Front Against Trafficking
The operation was spearheaded by the Ross County Sheriff’s Office in close coordination with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force.
Following the roadside discovery, Moore was formally arrested and booked into the Ross County Jail. He remains incarcerated pending formal charges.
The multi-agency bust is part of “Appalachia Overwatch,” a strategic campaign designed to aggressively target regional drug trafficking networks. The U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force routinely pools resources, intelligence, and personnel across six southern Ohio counties, including:
- Ross
- Fayette
- Highland
- Hocking
- Gallia
- Jackson
Authorities are continuing to urge residents to act as extra eyes and ears in their neighborhoods. Anyone who witnesses or suspects ongoing drug activity is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or call 911.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
