2 arrested after seizure of over 5,700 grams of suspected crack cocaine in Scioto County traffic stop

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman and Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer announced the arrest of a Huntington, W.Va. man and a South Point, Ohio woman on felony drug charges. The arrests followed an investigation by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force in coordination with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

As part of the ongoing investigation, at approximately 6:26 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4 the Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop for traffic violations on a vehicle traveling near mile marker 9 on state Route 823 in Lucasville. During the stop, troopers allegedly seized approximately 5,746 grams of suspected crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $574,600.

Arrested were Stephen Hopkins, 49, of Huntington, W.Va., and Jasmine Martin, 31, of South Point, Ohio. Each was charged with one count of trafficking in drugs and one count of possession of drugs, both felonies of the first degree.

The case will be forwarded to the Scioto County Prosecutor's Office for presentation to a Scioto County Grand Jury, which will consider additional felony charges. 

Sheriff Thoroughman and Chief Brewer ask anyone with information about drug activity to contact the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force tip line at (740) 354-DRUG (3784) or email drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. All information will be kept confidential, and tipsters may remain anonymous.