Ohio deputies arrest “poison peddler” after traffic stop leads to discovery of drugs and loaded handgun

NOBLE COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — An Ohio man has been arrested after a traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected ecstasy, Xanax, a large amount of suspected cocaine, scales, and a loaded 9mm handgun.

Patrick Williams, 37, from Belpre, Ohio, was driving along I-77 in Noble County when he was pulled over by Corporal Cory Baker, who noticed several equipment violations.

According to Corporal Baker, Williams insisted on stepping out of his vehicle to explain the equipment issues.

After observing several suspicious signs, Cpl. Baker used K9 Deputy Cora to conduct an open-air sniff around the vehicle, which indicated the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.

Following a probable cause search of the vehicle, a loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine was found next to the driver’s seat, along with suspected ecstasy, Xanax pills, a large amount of suspected cocaine, and scales.

Williams was taken into custody and transported to the Noble County Jail, where he is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Sheriff Jason Mackie stressed the importance of removing drugs from the community and referred to drug traffickers as “poison peddlers.”

Sheriff Mackie said, “It’s gratifying to see our deputies being proactive in keeping our county safe by targeting drug traffickers.”

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