Campbell cops sniff out hash oil operation

Staff report

CAMPBELL

Police investigated a suspected drug operation Monday at 540 Penhale Ave. and recovered several marijuana plants.

Four people, including a juvenile, were in police custody overnight.

Officers originally went to the home with an arrest warrant for a female resident who had failed to appear in court. But the occupants were reluctant to let police inside and argued with officers, said Police Chief Drew Rauzan.

Rauzan said officers noticed a strong odor of marijuana in the home, and once inside discovered about 50 marijuana plants in the basement as well as materials for a hash oil operation. Hash oil is used to create liquid drops of THC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana.

Police called the fire department to deal with hazardous chemicals, including propane and butane.

In custody, police said, are Owen Black III, 43, of Campbell; Tracy Black, 41, of Campbell; Richard Holloway Jr., 19, of Nashville, Ohio, and a 17-year-old juvenile. Police said the three adults will be transported to the Mahoning County jail. The juvenile will be taken to Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center.

All four will appear in court this morning on charges that were still being determined late Monday.