Executive Summary
- Authorities executed a search warrant at 709 Riverside Avenue in Wellsville, Ohio.
- Agents seized approximately 245 grams of methamphetamine, 140 grams of cocaine, and 22 grams of fentanyl.
- Anthony Mascarella was arrested on parole violations while drug charges remain pending lab results.
- A 9mm handgun and cash were also recovered during the multi-agency operation.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, Ohio — A multi-agency law enforcement operation executed a search warrant in Wellsville on Friday, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics and the arrest of one individual. According to the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, the raid targeted a residence on Riverside Avenue and involved coordination between county and local municipal units.
Sheriff Brian McLaughlin reported that the Columbiana County Drug Task Force, supported by the Wellsville and East Liverpool police departments, executed the warrant at 709 Riverside Avenue. During the search, agents discovered Anthony Mascarella, also known as “Duke,” located in the garage of the property. The operation was further assisted by K-9 Diva and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority.
Investigators recovered a substantial amount of illicit substances from the immediate area, including approximately 245 grams of methamphetamine, 140 grams of cocaine, and 22 grams of fentanyl. In addition to the narcotics, agents seized a 9mm handgun from the primary residence and confiscated $395 in cash found on Mascarella’s person.
Following the raid, Mascarella was taken into custody by Ohio Adult Parole. Authorities stated he is currently being held on parole violations. Additional criminal charges related to the drug seizure are pending the results of laboratory analysis. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigative Outlook
The seizure of nearly 400 grams of combined hard narcotics represents a significant disruption to local distribution networks in Columbiana County. By coordinating across municipal lines—involving Salem, Lisbon, Columbiana, and Liverpool Township departments alongside county officials—law enforcement is demonstrating a strategy focused on resource pooling to execute high-risk warrants. The pending lab results will be critical in establishing the specific degree of felony charges the suspect will face regarding the possession and potential trafficking of the seized substances.
