Approximately 70 grams of suspected fentanyl, 10 grams of crack cocaine, cash and drug paraphernalia seized by the Columbiana County Drug Task Force (DTF) during the execution of a warrant at 340 E. Eighth St. Apt. 4, on July 21. (Photo courtesy of DTF)

EAST LIVERPOOL — For the second time in three weeks the Columbiana County Drug Task Force (DTF) executed a search warrant on a known drug house in East Liverpool.

According to DTF Director Jesse Smith, the house located 340 E. Eighth St. Apt. 4 has been the target of a DTF investigation for some time.

Smith noted that Marques Kimmie and Ramel Shephard, who were present during the June 27 and the July 21 busts, along with the possible or former residents of the house have been on the DTF’s radar for some time and both were known to frequent and sell drugs from the residence.

Smith doesn’t believe that the residence is currently occupied but used as a flop house where dealers go to sell drugs.

Smith also noted that Kimmie was charged during the June 27 bust with felonious assault of an officer and has a preliminary hearing pending on that charge.

Though suspected narcotics were found, no charges have been filed yet. Charges are pending lab results from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

Officers located approximately 70 grams of suspected fentanyl, 10 grams of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency during the search.

Smith said that due to the hazards of fentanyl exposure, they don’t like to test for that in their offices, which is the reason it is listed as suspected fentanyl pending BCI lab results.

Smith thanked the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, Columbiana County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Lisbon and Salem police departments, and St. Clair Township Police Department for K-9 assistance.