2 arrested in drug trafficking investigation

2986
Bellefontaine Police Department K9 officer "Pyro" appears with the cash and drugs he alerted fellow officers to during a Wednesday night traffic stop that lead to the arrest of two suspects. (BPD PHOTO)
BRITTNAY HARTLINE and ANDREW HUGHES

Two people were arrested Wednesday, Dec. 4, on numerous charges following a joint drug investigation between officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department and the Adult Parole Authority.

Officers from the BPD criminal patrol and K9 units conducted a traffic stop around 9:30 p.m. in the 700 block of north Main Street.

The vehicle’s occupants, Andrew Hughes, 40, of Bellefontaine, and Brittnay Hartline, 35, of Russells Point, were wanted for parole violations.

During the stop, Hughes attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a short chase. A search of the vehicle, prompted by K9 Pyro’s alert, revealed large quantities of illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine and LSD, as well as drug paraphernalia.

A subsequent parolee search of Hughes’ residence uncovered additional drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms.

Hughes was charged the parole violation, as well as trafficking in and possession of methamphetamine; trafficking in and possession of cocaine; tampering with evidence; trafficking in and possession of Schedule I drugs; obstructing official business; resisting arrest; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hartline was charged with the parole violation, as well as trafficking in and possession of methamphetamine; trafficking in and possession of cocaine; tampering with evidence; and trafficking in and possession of Schedule I drugs.

Both suspects were booked in the Logan County Jail, and additional charges are pending.