Three from Niles arrested on drug charges

NILES — Three drug arrests were made Friday when police used a search warrant to enter 651 Indiana Ave.

Capt. Charles Wilson said police seized suspected marijuana, suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia, cash and turned up a video surveillance system.

Police charged the resident, Erin N. Smith, 23, with possession of drugs and permitting drug abuse, both felonies.

Matthew J. Petrilla, 23, and Nicole D. Baughman, 19, both of Niles, were charged with misdemeanor possession of drugs. More arrests are expected. The three defendants are expected to be arraigned Monday in Niles Municipal Court.

The search warrant was issued after a six-month investigation into drug activity during which undercover drug buys were made.

Police had fielded complaints from neighbors about loud noise, gunshots and constant foot and vehicle traffic during all hours of the day and night.

In on the search were Niles and Warren police, agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. deputy marshals.