News Summary
Exquisite Lounge in Maple Heights has been closed after authorities discovered a commercial drug operation involving fentanyl during an inspection. Significant public safety concerns arose as agents found a kilogram press and fentanyl residue on various surfaces inside the bar. The investigation is ongoing, with connections to a broader drug trafficking network that led to multiple arrests. A related case includes a man sentenced to 14 years for orchestrating a major drug ring in the area, highlighting the persistent drug crisis impacting local communities.
Maple Heights Bar Shut Down for Drug Operation
A bar in Maple Heights, known as Exquisite Lounge, has been shut down following the discovery of a commercial drug operation within its office. The bar was the subject of an inspection by the Ohio Investigative Unit, which was examining the location for business violations. During the inspection, agents uncovered a kilogram press and approximately 15 ounces of fentanyl, leading to immediate closure due to significant public safety concerns. The presence of fentanyl residue was noted on various surfaces and liquor bottles within the establishment, escalating the urgency of the situation. The investigation into the bar’s activities is ongoing.
In a related case, a North Royalton man named Marc Mahoney has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for orchestrating a drug ring that generated over $20 million in sales over three years. Mahoney, aged 45, became involved in drug dealing after losing his job at a recycling plant in 2019. His operation was responsible for the dispersal of approximately 1,350 pounds of cocaine within the Cleveland area during that timeframe. He has agreed to forfeit $2.4 million that was seized by federal agents, along with three properties acquired using drug proceeds.
Mahoney’s descent into drug trafficking followed the tragic death of his child’s mother. In need of financial support, he turned to drug dealing after being introduced to drug dealers by an acquaintance. He procured drugs from Mexico and sold them to street-level dealers, often conducting transactions in public spaces like parking lots and liquor stores. Authorities found that Mahoney stored significant amounts of drugs and cash in microwaves at a self-storage facility. During a raid on his residence, the DEA seized 50 pounds of cocaine. The case against Mahoney was strengthened through the use of wiretaps and surveillance by federal agents.
In court, Mahoney expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged his awareness of the wrongdoing involved in his criminal activities. Meanwhile, three individuals connected to a conspiracy to ship drugs—including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine—from California to Northeast Ohio remain at large. These individuals are identified as Freddie Murphy, Darcell Jackson, and Antonn Melton. The FBI is currently offering rewards for details leading to their capture.
In addition to these individuals, Kelvin Bedell, aged 39, is also wanted by the FBI and U.S. Marshals for drug-related charges. Bedell is known to frequent the Maple Heights and Cleveland areas, posing an ongoing threat to public safety. Authorities are actively working to apprehend all parties involved in these serious drug operations, aiming to dismantle the networks contributing to the drug crisis in the community.
The situation in Maple Heights highlights the persistent challenge of drug trafficking and its impacts on local communities, prompting law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in their efforts to combat drug-related crime.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19 News: Northeast Ohio Bar Shut Down for Fentanyl Bust
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- Cleveland.com: North Royalton Recycling Plant Manager Sentenced
- Google Search: Marc Mahoney Drug Ring
- News 5 Cleveland: 3 People Remain at Large in Drug Ring
- Google Scholar: Drug Trafficking Ohio
- Cleveland 19 News: Fugitive Wanted for Selling Drugs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- Cleveland.com: Feds Arrest Rival Gang Members on Drug Charges
- Google News: Drug Dealing Cleveland
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