PORTSMOUTH, Ohio – Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer and Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced the arrest of two Columbus men Thursday following an investigation into the trafficking and possession of suspected narcotics by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force.
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, at approximately 7:11 a.m., task force detectives and Portsmouth Police Department S.W.A.T. executed a law enforcement operation at 2809 Gallia St. in Portsmouth. As a result, 26-year-old Al’Jurdon Christian Gooch and 23-year-old Christian Ray Jackson, both of Columbus, were arrested for possessing approximately 118 grams of suspected fentanyl and 87 grams of suspected crack cocaine.
Both men face charges of trafficking in drugs and possession of drugs, each a first-degree felony. Jackson was also taken into custody on an outstanding murder warrant from Columbus. The estimated street value of the suspected narcotics is $24,720.
Investigators executing a related search warrant seized digital scales and other evidence believed connected to drug trafficking. Authorities also seized $1,014 in cash from Gooch and Jackson.
Gooch and Jackson were placed in the Scioto County Jail and are scheduled to be arraigned in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Both are being held without bond.
The case remains under investigation by task force detectives and will be forwarded to the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office for presentation to a Scioto County Grand Jury.
Chief Brewer and Sheriff Thoroughman request that anyone with information related to drug activity contact the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force tip line at (740) 354-3784 (DRUG) or email drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. All information provided will be kept confidential and anonymous.
This report is based on the official announcement from Portsmouth Police and the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office. The individuals named are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations, and the substances recovered are described as suspected pending laboratory confirmation.
Send a tip or correction to info@heritageheadlines.com.
Get the morning stories.
Send a tip or correction to info@heritageheadlines.com, or use the contact page.
This WeekFranklin County archive
Chili night at your house. Which way do you go?
Today's question. Five seconds to vote, all day to argue about it.
Cast your voteLocal trivia and strong opinions, a new question every day. No sign-up, just vote.
Latest bookings
Vinton County
James David Black
Booked Nov 11, 2026
Vinton County
Harold Dean Withrow
Booked Nov 4, 2026
Vinton County
Gale Phillip Misner
Booked Nov 3, 2026
Individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
