Search Warrants Executed for Major Drug Trafficking Offenses

On January 28, 2022, the Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force executed search warrants in the City of Defiance. The search warrants were executed at 736 Inverness Drive and 233 Greer Street. These search warrants were the conclusion of a long-term investigation involving major drug trafficking offenses.

At 736 Inverness Drive residence, Derek Brandi (36) was taken into custody and charged on Aggravated Drug Possession with specifications of MDO (Major Drug Offender), a Felony of the first degree. Derek Brandi was transported to Paulding County Jail. Over a kilo of suspected Methamphetamine along with other drug trafficking evidence was seized.

At 233 Greer Street residence, Nicole Lause (34) was taken into custody and charged on Possession of suspected Methamphetamine, Felony of the fifth degree and was taken to Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio.

This investigation included several agencies that assisted the Multi-Area Narcotics Unit and are as follows; United States Postal Inspection Service, Defiance City Police, Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, Defiance County Prosecutor’s Office, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. We would like to thank these agencies for their time and effort in this investigation.

Several other suspects are pending felony charges involving in this major drug investigation.

Max Nofziger, Commander Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force