Clark County police blitz targets Bethel Twp.

Multiple police agencies teamed up Friday night to crack down on drug and traffic violations in Bethel Twp.

Five police agencies held a blitz where they heavily patroled the township. More than 20 police cruisers hit the streets as officers pursued drugs and other criminal activity.

For Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Beller, it was routine patrol.

“I spend a lot of time out here. I’ve been out here four or five years now, Bethel Twp., New Carlisle area si I know almost everybody. It’s not that big of an area,” Beller said.

Along with knowing the area, it’s about knowing what to look for.

“The things I look for most are drugs, OVIs and driving under suspensions. But tonight we’re just looking for everything,” he said.

A teenage girl was pulled over and taken into custody for suspicion of drug possession after K-9s detected drugs inside her car. Deputies also found a marijuana grinder in her pocket.

Beller and other officers conducted multiple traffic stops throughout the evening.

“You see that? That’s crystal meth ...,” Beller said.

Minutes later, the U.S. Marshal’s Service found men hiding in closets inside an apartment with syringes and drugs. They also were wanted on outstanding warrants.

“There have been blitzes before but never before where all these different agencies were working together,” Clark County Sheriff Deb Burchett said.

The agencies conducted the law enforcement operation at the request of township trustees.

“As the warm weather is approaching, we wanted people to know that we are still diligent in watching out for the residents of the township,” Trustee Nancy Brown said.

The agencies involved included the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Springfield Police Division, Ohio Investigative Unit, U.S. Marshal’s Service.

Stats on Friday night’s operation are expected to be released later today.

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