18 indicted as part of Akron-based drug ring

AKRON, Ohio - Investigators busted a nationwide drug ring based in Akron that smuggled drugs from Nevada and Arizona into Northeast Ohio.

Law enforcement officials announced an eight-count indictment filed against 18 people accused of taking part in drug trafficking operations that shipped cocaine, heroin and marijuana to Akron, according to Carol Rendon, an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

The indictment also includes money laundering and firearms charges.

At a Tuesday afternoon news conference, federal agents said simultaneous arrest warrants were conducted on 12 suspects.

Investigators displayed pictures of the suspects thought to be involved in the large-scale drug ring. They also showed pictures of drugs and money that were seized.

Agents categorized Anthony Norman Jr., 25, and his father Anthony Norman Sr., 42, as major players in the alleged drug ring. They live in Akron.

In addition, investigators said Robert Donahue, of Clinton, was the ringleader of an Arizona to Akron marijuana drug operation.

Rendon said Donahue used drug money to buy an Akron bar for $52,000.

"This operation resulted in the complete dismantling of two major organizations that have been responsible for the distribution of over 100 kilograms of cocaine and thousands of pounds of marijuana," said Geno Corley of the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Federal agents said the found key evidence when one of the suspects was stopped in a pickup truck at a New Mexico checkpoint.

"At that checkpoint, border patrol agents did an inspection of the vehicle and hidden in the well of a tire that was underneath the truck, they found and seized $240,000."