Three Arrested in Drug Bust on Putnam Avenue

ZANESVILLE, OH – A drug bust on Putnam Avenue has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal substances and weapons.

On Tuesday, October 8th, members of the Muskingum County/Zanesville City Joint Drug Unit, along with the Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Special Response Team executed a search warrant at 1010 Putnam Avenue in Zanesville. During the search, four individuals were found at the property, leading to the arrest of three suspects. Investigators seized a bulk amount of methamphetamine, pills, US Currency, and two handguns from the scene

“This is one of those cases where our drug unit got a lot of complaints from the neighbors down there. We take these things seriously and as I kid sometimes, the wheels of justice, sometimes it’s a little slower than what some people want. As a result of these kinds of investigations, we always usually obtain information that leads us to other investigations,” Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said.

Detectives had been investigating the residence after receiving several complaints of drug activity. As a result, 56-year-old Teresa Reed and 75-year-old Edward Farley was charged with two counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs within the vicinity of a school, illegal manufacture of drugs within the vicinity of a school, and possession of drugs. The third individual, 41-year-old Sara Berka, was arrested on outstanding warrants related to a minor traffic offense from Muskingum County Court.

“Drugs don’t pay. Time and time again the task force is successful. The eyes and ears of the citizens in the neighborhood along with the information we obtain from our officers and deputies on the road, like the Sheriff said, each one of these arrests and each one of these busts leads us to more apprehension,” Zanesville Police Chief, Scott Comstock said.

The community is encouraged to speak up if they see suspicious activity.