DAYTON, Ohio -- Seven people, including three from Cincinnati's suburbs, were indicted in what federal officials allege was a methamphetamine trafficking operation with ties to Mexico.
U.S. Attorney Ben Glassman said a Mexican national who's a chemist came here to supervise the work. Drug enforcement agents have seized more than 140 pounds of meth, 7 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of heroin and more than $130,000 in cash, Glassman said.
The operation was based in Dayton but expanded to include areas around Greater Cincinnati and Columbus, Glassman said.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Warren County Sheriff's Office and police departments in Monroe and Middletown helped investigate.
Butler County officials told WCPO in May that methamphetamine is making a comeback. A growing number of drug users are switching from heroin to meth as users recognize the higher risk of death from fentanyl-laced heroin, Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser said.
Joshua Leach and Brandi Loy
All seven suspects are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The six-count indictment also charges them with manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine and money laundering:
- Salvador Ramirez, 23, of West Chester, who's also known as "Listo"
- Tamara McQueen, 21, of Hamilton
- Jesus Garcia, 49, of West Chester, who also goes by "Jesse Garcia:
- Takeea Trammell, 41, of Dayton
- Luiz Roberto Diaz-Magana, 29, of Queretaro, Mexico
- Joshua L. Leach, 34, of Plain City
- Brandi Danyell Loy, 34, of Plain City, also known as "Brandi Richey"
Leach and Loy remain at large. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call the Dayton DEA tipline, 937-903-5860.
