Meth Seized in Second Drug Bust this Week

A total of $50,000 in methamphetamine was seized following a month long investigation into a meth operation supplying Muskingum, Licking, and Perry counties.

The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office, Zanesville Police Department, and the Central Ohio Drug Task Force seized the meth as well as $21,000, three firearms, and two vehicles. The bust marks the second in the last week where such large amounts of narcotics, money, and firearms were apprehended.

"We’re going to continue doing what we’re doing," said Lutz. "We’re going to continue to take drugs off the street and keep putting these people in prison until hopefully they get the idea that it’s not a good business to be in. "

As part of the month long investigation, a search warrant was executed on Monday in Trinway. One hundred grams of meth, as well $6,000, 3 firearms, and one vehicle was found and seized at the residence. Larry Wayne Colebank Sr. was charged with four counts of trafficking in drugs, two with a juvenile specification, as well as a firearm specification.

Colebank is under a weapons disability stemming from a previous drug conviction in 2002 when he served an eight year sentence. Lutz said authorities do see a trend in those returning to the drug trafficking business after serving time.

"We are seeing in these two particular cases, where it’s repeat offenders," said Lutz. "I think it’s really tough on them coming out of prison to get away from that lifestyle and try to start their citizenship all over and be a productive citizen. "

Larry Wayne Colebank Jr. was also charged with trafficking in drugs. If convicted Colebank Sr. could face up to 44 years in prison and Colebank Jr. could face up up to eight years. More arrests are expected.