37 people indicted in a Northeast Ohio drug trafficking ring after over 6 kg of narcotics, cash and guns were seized.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that the Cuyahoga County grand jury returned an indictment of 37 individuals for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization.
The drug trafficking organization is also linked to three overdose deaths.
The investigation led to over six kilograms of drugs seized, over $240,000 in cash was seized and 15 firearms were taken, which some of the firearms were reported stolen, according to a press release from the prosecutor’s office.
On Aug. 16, 2024, John Lee, 56, was found dead in a home from a suspended overdose near E 71st Street and Indiana Avenue in Cleveland.
The Cleveland Division of Police Narcotics Unit investigated and learned the supplied narcotics were linked to the drug trafficking organization, the release said.
On Sept. 17, 2024, Angela Staehr, 41, was found dead in a home from a suspected overdose near Sackett Avenue and Rhodes Court in Cleveland.
The CPD Narcotics Unit also investigated and found the supplied narcotics were also linked to the same drug trafficking organization that supplied Lee.
According to the press release, the investigation was conducted by the CPD Narcotics Unit and was assisted by the Euclid Police Department, the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the U.S. Marshals.
Following the investigation, 37 individuals involved in the drug trafficking organization’s supply chain were identified.
The release said the drug trafficking organization was utilizing multiple locations to store, manufacture and distribute narcotics.
Throughout the investigation, search warrants were conducted in 12 locations that resulted in the seizure over over six kilograms of fentanyl, xylazine, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Additionally, resulting in the seizures of over $240,000 in cash and the 15 firearms, several of which were reported stolen.
The investigation also linked a third previously unsolved overdose case that happened in 2022, the over dose death of Amanda Garrison, 26, in Cleveland, the release said.
“This indictment reflects the strong collaboration between the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and our law enforcement partners. By dismantling this organization, we are removing dangerous individuals, lethal narcotics, and stolen firearms from our community. These arrests will save lives throughout northeast Ohio,” Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley said.
On Nov. 25, 2025, the 37 individuals were indicted on a total of 180 charges, some of which included:
- Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Aggravated Drug Funding
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession
- Illegal Manufacturing
- Having Weapons Under Disability
On Saturday, an arrest operation was held by the U.S. Marshals Service and CPD.
The individuals will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date, the press release said.
“The harm caused by this criminal organization is real and has devastated our community, but today marks an important step forward. Now is the time for justice for these victims and their families – justice that is long overdue, and justice that our community deserves.
The complexity of this case speaks volumes about the extraordinary quality of the investigatory work behind it and just how skilled our detectives truly are. Their efforts brought this sprawling operation to light and ensured that those responsible are now facing their day in court. This is indictment is a great reminder of what happens when we partner with other local, regional, state, and federal agencies – all of which we’ll continue doing.”
—-Mayor Justin M. Bibb
Reports are sourced from official documents, law-enforcement updates, and credible investigations.
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