A federal grand jury has charged seven individuals suspected in a heroin-trafficking operation in eastern Ohio with one count each of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance.
Federal authorities say a grand jury in Columbus recently indicted four suspects from Steubenville, one from Irving, Texas, and two from Weirton, West Virginia.
Authorities say the yearlong investigation into the Steubenville-area operation resulted in the seizure of eight firearms, three vehicles and about $110,000 in suspected narcotics proceeds.
Court documents allege the organization was responsible for street-level heroin sales in Steubenville and Bellaire in Ohio and in Weirton and Wheeling in West Virginia.
Conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin is punishable by 10 years to up to life in prison.