10/23/2026
Narcotics Investigation Leads to Arrest and Seizure of Suspected Illegal Drugs and Fi****ms
Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin has released the following statement regarding a search warrant executed in the 1500 block of McCormick Road on the evening of Thursday, October 22, 2026.
“On Thursday evening, agents with the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, along with members of the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at a residence on McCormick Road following an extensive investigation into suspected narcotics trafficking. As a result of the search, a large quantity of suspected illegal narcotics was seized, including significant quantities of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and co***ne. Several fi****ms were also seized during the investigation.”
As a result of the investigation, Barseem Knowledge Allah, 48, of Dayton, Ohio, was taken into custody and charged with possession of narcotics. Allah is currently being held at the Gallia County Jail.
Additional charges against Allah, as well as potential charges involving other individuals, are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Champlin stated, “This is yet another example of the hard work and dedication our team demonstrates every day to protect our citizens and communities. We remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those who bring illegal narcotics into our county and threaten the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Sheriff Champlin also expressed his appreciation to the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, Gallipolis Police Department, and Ohio State Highway Patrol for their assistance during this operation.
“The cooperation and support of our law enforcement partners are invaluable to these efforts. I appreciate their willingness to work alongside our team as we continue to combat illegal narcotics and protect the citizens of our communities.”
The Gallia County Sheriff’s Office is a participating agency in the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, a multijurisdictional law enforcement partnership dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of its member counties through collaborative investigations and coordinated enforcement efforts.
The investigation remains ongoing.
