Pair Arrested with Massive Stash of Drugs in Scioto County

Routine traffic stop leads to discovery of over $35,000 worth of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pile of white crystalline powder and small plastic baggies, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the seized drugs from a major drug bust.A major drug bust in Scioto County reveals the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis and the flow of hard narcotics into Ohio communities.Portsmouth Today

A routine traffic stop in Scioto County, Ohio turned into a major drug bust after troopers found a large quantity of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in the vehicle. The two suspects, Randy Stevens and Jessica Darby, were arrested and are now facing multiple felony drug trafficking and possession charges.

Why it matters

Drug trafficking and the opioid crisis continue to be major problems in many Ohio communities, with law enforcement working to get dangerous narcotics off the streets. This bust highlights the ongoing efforts to combat the flow of hard drugs like meth and fentanyl into the region.

The details

During the traffic stop on State Route 104, troopers searched the vehicle and discovered 803 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 6 grams of suspected crack cocaine. The total street value of the seized drugs is estimated at nearly $36,000. Randy Stevens, 56, and Jessica Darby, 28, were arrested and charged with first-degree felony drug trafficking and possession offenses.

  • The traffic stop occurred on Monday evening.
  • Stevens and Darby appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday morning.

The players

Randy Stevens

A 56-year-old resident of West Portsmouth, Ohio who was arrested and charged with drug trafficking and possession offenses.

Jessica Darby

A 28-year-old resident of Portsmouth, Ohio who was arrested and charged with drug trafficking and possession offenses.

Ohio State Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and search that led to the drug bust.

Southern Ohio Drug Task Force

The multi-agency task force that worked alongside the Ohio State Highway Patrol on the investigation.

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What’s next

The case will proceed to a Scioto County Grand Jury, where prosecutors may seek additional charges against Stevens and Darby.

The takeaway

This drug bust underscores the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis and the flow of hard drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl into Ohio communities. Law enforcement continues to work to get these dangerous narcotics off the streets and hold traffickers accountable.