David Joseph Cline

MARIETTA — A Belpre man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop last week in Waterford Township.

Washington County Sheriff Mark Warden reported that on Feb. 28, Det. Peters and K9 Timmy were on routine patrol in the Waterford Township area when Peters observed a black Audi vehicle travelling southbound on State Route 60, bearing an Ohio registration for a 2008 Honda.

A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. Contact was made with the driver, who identified himself as Randy Cline. The press release said Cline appeared to be nervous and provided detectives with the incorrect information several times. Cline was then asked for consent to search, at which time he stated yes.

A search of the vehicle began and located in the trunk area was a package concealed in a Dr. Pepper soda box. The package was opened and inside were four large chunks, with several smaller chunks, of fentanyl in a vacuum sealed bag. Also located during the search was $3,127 in U.S. currency.

Detectives discovered that Cline was in fact David Joseph Cline, 53, of 708 George St., Belpre. Cline was advised of his Miranda Rights and he admitted to possessing the drugs and the drugs were fentanyl, the release said. Total weight of the vacuum sealed bag with the fentanyl is approximately 834 grams.

The seizure is one of the largest fentanyl seizures in Washington County with a street value of approximately $80,000, the release said.

Cline was placed under arrest on charges of trafficking in fentanyl and possession of fentanyl, both first-degree felonies. He remained incarcerated Tuesday in the Washington County Jail after his appearance in Marietta Municipal Court and was being held on $500,000 plus personal recognizance bond.