The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Detroit man indicted in drug trafficking case in federal court
A Detroit man was indicted in federal court in Cleveland on drug and firearms charges, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
Gavin S. Smith, 36, was indicted on one count each of: distribution of oxycodone; distribution of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute oxycodone; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; being a felon in possession of a firearm and use of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking.
Smith possessed oxycodone and methamphetamine on August 1, 2019, as well as a Beretta .25-caliber pistol and ammunition. He was prohibited from having the firearm because of previous convictions for robbery and assault, according to the indictment.
Smith sold oxycodone on June 26, 2019, and cocaine on July 1, 2019, according to the indictment.
According to an Aug. 1 news release from the Elyria Police Department, Smith traveled from Detroit with a weapon to deliver drugs in Lorain.
Lorain Police SWAT executed a search warrant at 1958 Oberlin Ave. in Lorain, as the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Elyria Police Narcotics Unit, and Lorain Police Narcotics Unit, according to police.
While executing the search warrant, detectives seized 564 doses of suspected oxycodone, a highly addictive pain medicine, 7 grams of methamphetamine and a small amount of cocaine and marijuana, police said.
This case was investigated as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), which seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers, the release said.
Lorain County was selected as a pilot site for Operation S.O.S. The DEA, FBI, Lorain Police Department, Elyria Police Department and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force participate in the program.
This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kolansky.