BOARDMAN Two young men face string of drug charges

Police became suspicious when neither of them answered when asked why they were in the area and what route they had taken to get there.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Two Akron-Canton area residents will face several charges after a routine traffic stop by township police revealed drugs, cash, a knife and items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Nathaniel J. Blasdel, 21, of North Canton, and Nicholas D. Hunter, 17, of Copley, were arrested around 3:30 a.m. Monday after a township police officer stopped the 1988 Ford pickup driven by Blasdel for a traffic offense.
Officers asked them why they were in the area and what route they had taken to get here. Neither Blasdel nor Hunter answered, raising police suspicions. Hunter also gave police a fake name.
Eventually a police dog was used to search the truck for drugs. Officers found more than a dozen chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, two vials containing a powder suspected to be a controlled substance, a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia, pharmacology textbooks and about $1,000 cash.
Charges: Blasdel and Hunter are both charged with drug paraphernalia possession and obstructing official business, both misdemeanors, and drug possession, a felony.
Blasdel was taken to Mahoning County jail in lieu of $10,750 bond. He faces an additional charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Hunter was taken to the county juvenile justice center where, during a routine strip search, officials found additional suspected cocaine or methamphetamine hidden in his clothes. The suspected drugs were inside a money belt that had been fastened around his waist and concealed by layers of clothes.
An additional felony charge of illegal conveyance of drugs into a detention facility was filed against Hunter. Officer Rick Balog, juvenile police division, said Hunter may also faces charges of trafficking.