A Portsmouth woman is facing multiple felony drug charges following an investigation by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force.
According to David Thoroughman and Debby Brewer, task force officers executed narcotics-related search warrants at approximately 11:51 a.m. on February 23, 2026.
Search warrants were carried out at a residence located at 70A Upton Road in Portsmouth and at a business on Ohio River Road in Wheelersburg. Both properties were connected to 39-year-old Brandy Cottrell.
During the searches, officers seized suspected fentanyl, suspected crack cocaine, digital scales and additional evidence consistent with drug trafficking. Authorities reported that approximately 218 grams of suspected fentanyl and/or crack cocaine were confiscated during the investigation.
Cottrell was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Drugs, a first-degree felony, and Possession of Drugs, a second-degree felony. She was booked into the Scioto County Jail and is scheduled to be arraigned in Portsmouth Municipal Court on February 24 at 9 a.m.
Officials said the case will be forwarded to the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office for presentation to a Scioto County Grand Jury, where additional felony charges may be considered.
Sheriff Thoroughman and Chief Brewer thanked deputies and patrol officers from both the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and the Portsmouth Police Department for their assistance in executing the search warrants.
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to illegal drug activity to contact the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force tip line at 740-354-5656 or email [email protected]. Officials say all tips will remain confidential and anonymous.
