Suspected Fentanyl Found

On May 2, 2021 the Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force along with Defiance Police Department and Adult Parole conducted a consent search at 913 Greenbriar Lane in the City of Defiance, Ohio the primary residence of Chelsea Lopez (29 y/o) and Gilberto Villarreal Jr. (35 y/o) A 9mm handgun and ammunition was located in the residence along with a larger amount of white crystal substance. There was a preliminary test on the white crystal substance with a result of suspected pure Fentanyl and a weight of forty-three (43) grams. There will be an official test of the white crystal substance conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation Laboratory. Fentanyl is a synthetic narcotic linked to several fatal overdoses in the area.

Consent search of the residence was made after Gilberto Villarreal Jr.’s vehicle was searched via parole conditions finding a white powder substance suspected to be Methamphetamine as well as $4148.00 in cash in the vehicle. A preliminary test was done on the white powder substance returning with a positive result for Methamphetamine and a weight of four (4) grams.

On May 5, 2021 Gilberto Villarreal Jr. was indicted on Trafficking in Fentanyl, a felony of the first degree, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, a felony of the third degree and Weapons Under Disability, a felony of the third degree. Chelsea Lopez was indicted on permitting drug abuse, a felony of the fifth degree through the Defiance County Common Pleas Court.

Assisting the Task Force in this investigation was the Defiance Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Agency and Morris Murray, Defiance County Prosecutor.

Max A. Nofziger Commander