Eighteen people were arrested Thursday as Canton police, working alongside several local and federal law enforcement agencies, executed two search warrants that resulted in the seizure of narcotics, a firearm and a large amount of cash.
According to Canton Police Chief John Gabbard, the operations took place Nov. 6 at two locations in the city as part of ongoing investigations involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The first search warrant was executed at 927 Fifth St. NW by the Canton Police Coordinated Response Team, with assistance from the Stark County Regional SWAT Team, Canton Police Community Involvement Unit, Stark County Sheriff’s Office METRO Unit, FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
During the search, investigators recovered one firearm, narcotics and drug paraphernalia.
Police said 17 people were arrested on charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
Authorities also determined the residence was uninhabitable, prompting officers to contact the city’s health and code departments.
The Humane Society removed six dogs and three cats from the property.
Later, officers from the same agencies executed a second search warrant at 1020 Clarendon Ave. NW, Apt. 1.
Investigators seized a large amount of U.S. currency and narcotics during that operation. One person was arrested.
Police did not disclose the identities of those arrested, the specific criminal charges they face or the types and quantities of drugs recovered during the searches.
The amount of cash seized during the second operation was also not immediately released.
Gabbard said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional criminal charges are pending.
Anyone with information related to the investigations is encouraged to contact the Canton Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Tip411, which is available through the department’s website at www.cantonohio.gov/police.
