News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2002

Approximately $900,000 In Suspected Drug Proceeds Seized In Delaware County, Ohio

Columbus, OH- On December 5, 2002, Sheriff Al Myers of the Delaware County, Ohio Sheriffs Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Columbus Office announced the seizure of approximately $900,000 in suspected drug proceeds from a residence located at 203 South Grove Street, Ashley, Ohio. This investigation began when intelligence information regarding two independent police money seizures in Kansas and Arkansas, dating back to 1999, identified Victor Centers of Ashley, Ohio as a common party involved. The DEA in Kansas and Arkansas passed the information to the DEA Columbus and the Delaware County Sheriffs Department who initiated an investigation of Centers.

Investigators of the Delaware County Sheriffs Department took the primary lead on the investigation with assistance from the DEA Columbus. By December 4, 2002, Delaware County Investigators had developed enough information to obtain a search warrant for Victor Centers residence. On December 5, 2002, members of the Delaware County Sheriffs Department executed this search warrant and seized approximately $900,0000 in duffel bags concealed within the residence. Four vehicles, three all-terrain vehicles, and one pleasure boat were also seized. The money and vehicles have been seized as suspected drug proceeds and turned over to the DEA Columbus for federal forfeiture proceedings on behalf of the Delaware County Sheriffs Department.

"I know that Sheriff Myers is extremely proud of his professional, resourceful and tenacious investigators that broke this case open with good old fashioned police work and determination. This is a classic example of police agencies working together from around the country resulting in a substantial success for law enforcement," said Michael A. Braun, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division, which oversees offices in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky.

No arrests have been made at this time and this investigation is continuing.

For further information regarding this media release contact DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Oetjen at (502) 582-5908 or S/A David Jacobson at (313) 234-4220.