Portsmouth Woman Arrested on Drug Charges

NEWS RELEASE

February 24th, 2026

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman and Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer announce that a Portsmouth woman was arrested on drug charges after an investigation conducted by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force.

At approximately 11:51a.m. on February 23, 2026, task force officers executed narcotic - related search warrants at the residence of thirty-nine-year-old, Brandy Cottrell, located at 70A Upton Rd. Portsmouth, Ohio and at Cottrell’s business located at 8595 Ohio River Rd. Wheelersburg, Ohio.

Upon a search of the properties, officers seized suspected fentanyl, suspected crack cocaine, digital scales and additional evidence of drug trafficking.

In total, task force officers seized approximately 218 grams of suspected fentanyl and or suspected crack cocaine during the investigation.

Brandy Cottrell was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Drugs, a felony of the 1 st degree, and Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 2nd degree.

Cottrell was placed in the Scioto County Jail and is to be arraigned in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday February 24 th , 2026 at 9:00a.m.

The case will eventually be forwarded to the Scioto County Prosecutor's Office to be presented to a Scioto County Grand Jury for the consideration of additional felony charges.

Sheriff Thoroughman and Chief Brewer would like to thank the Deputies and Patrol Officers from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and Portsmouth Police Department for their assistance with the warrant executions.

Sheriff Thoroughman and Chief Brewer request anyone wishing to leave drug information for the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force, should phone the Task Force tip line at (740) 354-5656 or email

drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. All information will be kept confidential and anonymous.