Executive Summary
- Joint Operation: Martins Ferry and Bridgeport police raided a home at 512 Clinton Street early Sunday.
- Suspects Charged: Three individuals arrested, with charges ranging from drug trafficking to possession of paraphernalia.
- Evidence Seized: Investigators recovered methamphetamine, distribution packaging, electronics, and syringes.
- Community Intelligence: The month-long investigation was initiated and sustained by tips from neighbors regarding suspicious activity.
Three individuals were taken into custody early Sunday morning in Martins Ferry, Ohio, following a coordinated police raid at a residence suspected of serving as a hub for methamphetamine trafficking, according to law enforcement officials. The operation, executed by the Martins Ferry Police Department with assistance from Bridgeport officers, targeted a home at 512 Clinton Street and resulted in the seizure of narcotics and distribution paraphernalia.
According to police reports, the investigation began approximately one month ago after authorities received numerous complaints from local residents regarding suspicious activity at the property. Martins Ferry Police Chief Vincent West stated that officers conducted surveillance on the residence and interviewed neighbors to corroborate the tips. The gathered intelligence provided sufficient probable cause to execute the search warrant.
Authorities arrested Mark Kinkus, Michael Kurtley, and Reed Morrow during the raid. Kinkus has been charged with trafficking in drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of drug abuse instruments. Kurtley and Morrow were booked into the Belmont County Jail on charges of possession of drug abuse instruments and possession of drug paraphernalia.
During a systematic search of the premises, investigators recovered quantities of methamphetamine, packaging materials consistent with drug distribution, multiple cellphones, laptop computers, syringes, and unidentified pills. Chief West noted that the presence of individual bagging materials was a key indicator that the residence was being used for trafficking purposes. He further confirmed that this specific property had been the subject of a police raid in the past.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Community Safety Impact
This operation highlights the pivotal role of community engagement in local law enforcement strategies against narcotics distribution. The raid at 512 Clinton Street demonstrates how sustained surveillance, validated by consistent resident reporting, allows departments to build actionable cases against repeat offender locations. With Chief West confirming that daily tips are currently driving multiple active cases across the town, the department appears to be intensifying its focus on properties that pose persistent public safety risks through a strategy of rapid response to neighborhood intelligence.
