City boards up drug center in Franklinton

COLUMBUS, OH – City of Columbus has closed a Franklinton-area pharmacy after several reports of violent crimes, drug sales, overdoses and thefts over the past year.

Columbus police executed an order to board up the property at 544 West Walnut Street, which is a few blocks from Dodge Park, popular businesses and other homes, according to Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein.

Court documents say that since January 2022, police have received numerous complaints of domestic violence, assaults, fights, thefts and overdoses.

In August, complaints were made regarding drugs on the property and several people loitering in and around the property.

In October, police received a report of people coming in and out of the home and some camping in the backyard.

In December, detectives made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from a man in the house.

In February, officers made contact with three people, one of whom was found to have an outstanding driver’s license and was taken into custody. Another person was found with drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. Fentanyl was found in the third.

Later that month, detectives made another controlled buy of methamphetamine.

“When violence and drugs threaten public safety, it’s important that the city steps in to stem the flow of drugs onto our streets, bring criminals to justice and make neighborhoods like Franklinton safer for residents, businesses and visitors,” Klein said in a statement. . “Franklinton is safer with this drug house out.”

In addition, there were many health and safety violations at the property. Owners of the city code were issued orders to eliminate the identified violations within 20 days.

Klein said the order has not been enforced and the property remains disturbed.

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