2 Cleveland Men Charged In Mentor Drug Bust

MENTOR, OH — Two men are behind bars in connection with a recent drug bust at two separate gas stations in Mentor, according to local authorities.

On Tuesday, during the early evening hours, the Lake County Narcotics Agency partnered with Mentor Police and the Lake County Sheriff's Office to conduct drug interdiction operations along the SR 306 corridor in Mentor.

Law enforcement officials said their first arrest came at a gas station near IS 90 and SR 306, after plain clothes agents and detectives observed a drug transaction. As agents and officers attempted to block a suspect vehicle in it's parking space, according to the Lake County Narcotics Agency.

Authorities said the driver accelerated backwards, striking an LCNA agent's car, causing minor damage. Agents and detectives said they located suspected crack cocaine, suspected heroin/fentanyl and about two pounds of marijuana.

A 30-year-old Cleveland man was also charged with drug possession, and drug trafficking charges will be referred to the Lake County grand jury. He has a criminal history of drug, assault, and weapons offenses, police said.

The second arrest occurred at a gas station on SR 306, just south of SR 2. Detectives and agents observed a suspected drug transaction, and investigation led to the seizure of crack cocaine and roughly $1,000 in cash.

A 25-year-old Cleveland man was charged with possession of crack cocaine; additional drug trafficking charges will be referred to the Lake County grand jury. He has a criminal history for drug trafficking, authorities said.

Both men were arraigned at the Mentor Municipal Court on Wednesday.