Staff report

POLAND TOWNSHIP — The township police department, with assistance from the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force Drug Unit and the Violent Crimes Task Force, executed a court-authorized search warrant at 2896 Saginaw Drive just before 10:30 a.m. Monday.

The warrant, issued by Struthers Municipal Court, stemmed from a focused investigation into drug trafficking operations targeting young members of the community and neighboring areas. During the execution of the search warrant, officers recovered illegal narcotics, multiple firearms and other significant evidence, according to a news release from Poland Township police Chief Greg Wilson.

The investigation then extended to Struthers High School, where Autumn Axel was taken into custody without incident. Additional evidence was seized there in connection with the ongoing investigation. Axel was transported to the Mahoning County Justice Center on three counts of possession of firearms and one count of drug possession, according to Wilson.

This case remains active and further charges are anticipated against Axel and additional suspects as the investigation continues, he said.

“This operation should make one thing absolutely clear — drug trafficking and the exploitation of youth have no place in Poland. We will pursue anyone who attempts to bring illegal drugs into our community and hold them fully accountable. Our officers and task force partners remain vigilant and our commitment to protecting the safety and integrity of this community will not waver,” Wilson stated in the release.

The Poland Township Police Department continues to maintain a strong, proactive stance against illegal drug activity, supported by two narcotics detection K-9 teams working staggered shifts, an officer assigned to the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force, a dedicated investigative unit, and numerous patrol officers actively monitoring for drug-related activity in all parts of the township.