The MARMET/METRICH Drug Task Force concluded several drug-related investigations over the past week and arrested three individuals for trafficking. One of those arrests took place in Toledo.
Najmuddeen Salaam
On May 15, 2016, MARMET and the Ohio State Highway Patrol concluded a several month investigation by arresting Najmuddeen Salaam of Marion. Salaam, age 46, was stopped in Delaware County with the assistance of the Highway Patrol. K-9 Kaos from the Marion City Police Department responded to the scene and alerted to the vehicle. Investigators said that Salaam was found to be in possession of 365 grams of cocaine and $1000 in cash.
According to investigators, Salaam worked as a private contractor for Marion Correctional Institution and often gave speeches about rehabilitation throughout Ohio and several other states. He was taken to the Delaware County Jail where he awaits the filing of formal charges of Possession of Cocaine a felony of the 1st degree.
Wayne Wallace Jr
On May 11, 2016, MARMET Drug Task Force detectives with the assistance of the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force, and the Detroit, Michigan Drug Enforcement Administration concluded a two week investigation into pill trafficking in Marion. The investigation lead to the supplier in Detroit, Michigan who is suspected of supplying Marion drug traffickers with up to 2000 pills a week.
Guns Located in Detroit, MI
MARMET Detectives went to Toledo and worked closely with Toledo Metro Drug Task Force and Detroit DEA. The supplier, Wayne Wallace Jr., age 41, was arrested after a short foot pursuit in the parking lot of Meijer on Alexis Road and State Route 75. During the arrest a citizen giving assistance suffered a broken wrist and broken knee cap after tackling the suspect to the ground.
MARMET said they seized 298 Percocet pills with a street value of $10,430 during that arrest.
Located in Detroit, MI
On May 13, 2016, the Detroit DEA executed a search warrant at the home of Wallace Jr. in Detroit, MI and agents said they located 11 firearms and over 497 Percocet pills inside the home. The street value of the pills is $17,395.
Wallace will soon be transported to Marion County to face charges of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs.
On May 3, 2016, MARMET worked a joint investigation with Marion County Probation Department. The investigation lead to the arrest of Anthony Alexander, age 31, of Marion. A search warrant was served in the 1000 block of Richmond Avenue, during which detectives said they seized 317 Percocet 30mg pills, 145 Percocet 20mg pills, 169 Vicodin pills, 384 grams of marijuana, and $20,105 in cash. The street value of the drugs is $18,190.
Anthony Alexander
Alexander is currently on Marion County Probation for a trafficking in cocaine charge and is in Multi County Jail. He faces a Felony 2 charge of trafficking in drugs.
MARMET said they continue to work closely with other agencies including those throughout the country to fight the drug problem in Marion, Ohio.
Seized Money and Drug from Alexander
“May 2016 has proven to be a great month in seizing drugs and proceeds which would have been on the streets of Marion, if not for the efforts of the diligent and persistent Detectives of the MARMET Drug Task Force,” stated Marion Police Chief Bill Collins.
“I could not be more proud of the work MARMET has been doing over the last several years. I will continue to give them the resources and man power needed to keep this community safe,” stated Marion County Sheriff Tim Bailey.
The investigation into the three men continues and more charges are expected as the investigation moves forward.
MARMET/METRICH Drug Task Force is comprised of the detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, and Prosecuting Attorney Brent Yager.
Anyone with tips on illegal activity is asked to call the TIPS LINE at 740-375-8477(TIPS). The caller can remain anonymous.
About Marion Online News
