FLAT ROCK, Ohio — Authorities executed a drug-related search warrant Monday at the residence of 36-year-old Paul Buchanan at 7715 N. Co. Road 29 in Flat Rock, Seneca County, Ohio, officials said.
The Seneca County Drug Task Force–METRICH Enforcement Unit, assisted by deputies from the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office and agents from the Sandusky County Drug Task Force, conducted the search under a warrant signed by Judge Damon Alt of the Seneca County Common Pleas Court. The operation led to the confiscation of suspected methamphetamine, criminal tools and firearms.
The investigation remains ongoing, with charges for illegal possession of methamphetamine and possession of criminal tools pending as authorities continue their inquiry.
Officials said that when agents and deputies entered the residence, they immediately contacted Seneca County Children Services after discovering two small children living in “dreadful living conditions.” In addition to the illegal drugs, investigators reported a range of factors that threatened the children’s safety, including unhygienic conditions, inadequate sanitary conditions, exposure to dangerous substances and objects, and insect infestations.
Sheriff Fredrick W. Stevens, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, said, “I’m always pleased to see drugs removed from our community, but I’m even more grateful that the children were removed from that unhealthy and unsafe environment.”
Authorities are urging citizens to continue reporting suspicious activity to their local agencies or to the Seneca County Drug Task Force–METRICH Enforcement Unit Crime Hotline at 419-443-0463, ext. 1140.
