Two Indicted in Large Scale Drug Trafficking Case

The Muskingum County/Zanesville City Joint Drug Task Force Monday announced the indictment of two local residents linked to a large scale Tramadol trafficking case.  Investigator say in August of 2016 the US Postal Inspection Agency became aware of a package being shipped  from India to a Blue Rock address.  The package was seized and found to contain 2500 Tramadol pills.  After the package was seized an investigation of the address located at 8178 South River Road and its occupants, 29-year-old Richard Maurer and 27-year-old Laticia Dawn Debolt happened.  During that investigation another package containing 2500 Tramadol pills was intercepted by authorities in December of 2016.  Then a search warrant was issued for 8178 South River Road and authorities found $5000 in US currency, 100 Tramadol pills, one handgun, packaging material and shipper lists.  By the end of January of 2017 40,000 pills had been seized by authorities.  The task force says in total from August 2016 to February of 2017, 99,000 pills were shipped to Muskingum County for distribution across the United States.  The pills sold for between $3.00 and $5.00 a piece on the street making this operation worth about $400,000.  The two suspects were indicted February 7th.   Maurer is facing charges of trafficking in drugs, engaging a pattern of corrupt activity and having weapons under disability.  He faces 22 years in prison if convicted on all charges.  Debolt is facing charges of  trafficking in drugs and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Maurer is also on Muskingum County’s most wanted list.  Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office.  Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain and is considered an opiate narcotic analgesics.