Two Columbus Men Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges

NEWS RELEASE

August 6th, 2026

PORTSMOUTH, OH – Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer and Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announce the arrest of two men from Columbus, Ohio, following an investigation into the trafficking and possession of suspected narcotics.

The investigation was conducted by members of 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., Portsmouth, Ohio.

As a result of the operation, 26-year-old Al’Jurdon Christian Gooch and 23-year-old Christian Ray Jackson, both of Columbus, Ohio, were arrested for possessing approximately 118 grams of suspected fentanyl and 87 grams of suspected crack cocaine. Both men were charged with Trafficking in Drugs and Possession of Drugs, each a first-degree felony. In addition, Jackson was taken into custody on an outstanding murder warrant from Columbus, Ohio.

The estimated street value of the suspected narcotics seized is $24,720.

During the execution of a related search warrant, investigators seized digital scales and other evidence believed to be connected to drug trafficking. A total of $1,014 in cash was also seized 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 defendants are currently 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.

Tip Information

Chief Brewer and Sheriff Thoroughman request that anyone with information related to drug activity contact the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force.

Tip Line: (740) 354-3784 (DRUG)

Email: drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com

All information provided to the Task Force will be kept confidential and anonymous.