Heroin, Cocaine, $1.1 Million Seized During Ohio Investigation

CLEVELAND — Law enforcement seized eight kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and $1.1 million in cash during an investigation into Northeast Ohio drug trafficking, the Department of Justice announced this week.

“These arrests and the seizure of such a large quantity of drugs before it hit the streets of Cleveland undoubtedly saved lives,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The DEA and their partners are to be thanked for working around the clock this weekend to make the arrests and seize the drugs, as well as approximately $1.1 million in drug proceeds.”

Five people were indicted in connection to the investigation. Kenneth Blackshaw, 53, of Cleveland; Jorge Alberto Barrera, 43, of Mexico; Miguel Angel Marquez, 44, of Fresno, California; Donald Earl Knighten 43, of Bedford, and Kimberly Yvette Green, 49, of Cleveland Heights, were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Some of the individuals will also face charges for distribution of cocaine and heroin, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and more.

According to the DOJ, Blackshaw, Barrera, Marquez and Knighten were taken into custody on June 15 when DEA agents searched a home on Addison Road in Cleveland. Agents found nine individually wrapped bundles of drugs and 32 bundles of cash, court documents said.

“The DEA’s mission is to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs, and this case is a great example of that work. This seizure and arrests will help make Cleveland safer," said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin.