Local law officers made what may be the biggest crack bust in Scioto County - more than a pound of crack cocaine.

Detectives from the Scioto County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, with assistance from the Portsmouth Police Department and probation officers from the Scioto County Common Pleas Court Probation Department, on Wednesday responded to a local motel in Rosemount after receiving information from a concerned Scioto County resident about drug activity.

After getting search warrants for several motel rooms, officers seized a firearm, approximately $5,000 in cash, a small amount of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Further investigation led the officers to a residence at 12430 Old Gallia Pike Avenue in Wheelersburg. During a search, they found and seized 465 grams, or more than one pound, of crack cocaine.

As a result, Sam D. Holmes, 27, and Abdilhakim Ahmed, 20, both of Portsmouth were arrested and charged with one count of possession of crack cocaine, a fifth-degree felony. Lindsey J. Ellis, 20, of Wheelersburg, was arrested for probation violation.

All three were transported to the Scioto County Jail where Holmes and Ahmed are being held on $2,500 bond. Ellis is being held without bond due to the probation violation and will appear before a Common Pleas judge at a later date.

Sheriff Marty Donini said due to large amount of crack cocaine seized, there may be further criminal charges and arrests after evidence is presented to the Scioto County grand jury.

“The cooperation of the various law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation clearly demonstrates the excellent working relationship that all of our local law enforcement agencies have when addressing illegal drug trafficking occurring in our community,” Donini said. “I commend the efforts of all of those who participated and provided assistance.”

Anyone with information about drug activity in Scioto County can call the Scioto County Sheriff's Office at (740) 355-8245.

In Portsmouth, call the Portsmouth Police Department's Narcotics Unit at (740) 354-DRUG (3784).

In New Boston, call the New Boston Police's drug hotline at (740) 456-4144.

All information will be kept confidential and anonymous.

MARK SHAFFER can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235.