MARTINS FERRY – A search warrant executed at a residence on Walmart Street led to the arrest of a Martins Ferry man Friday morning.

Kylil Bass, 28, is in the Belmont County Jail, facing charges of drug trafficking, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The search, which was conducted by officers from the Martins Ferry and Bridgeport Police Departments as well as the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, yielded drugs and packaging and distribution supplies.

City Police Chief Vince West said the search and subsequent arrest of Bass came after Martins Ferry Police received a tip from a resident. He encouraged the community to continue to supply his department with tips.

Martins Ferry Police also made an arrest on Thursday afternoon related to theft at the former East Ohio Regional Hospital Property.

According to a release on the department’s Facebook page, officers responded to 90 N. Fourth Street to a report of a suspicious male walking around the rear of the building.

Upon arrival, officers located a forced-open gate and an open basement door. A male suspect was found inside the building attempting to hide and was taken into custody without incident.

Officers recovered a large amount of cut copper wiring worth thousands of dollars along with multiple bags containing saws, drills, bolt cutters and other tools the suspect allegedly used to cut and remove the wiring.

Albert Hazlett, no age provided, Akron, was arrested and transported to the Belmont County Jail and charged with theft, criminal Trespass, breaking and entering, possession of criminal tools and vandalism.

Bridgeport Police Department assisted at the scene.

The former EORH property, which has been empty since it closed its doors last spring, has been the site of several break-ins recently.

Two juveniles were arrested last month after they were found to be in possession of two-way radios and iPads from the hospital.

At the last council meeting, West said the owner of the building had planned to board up the broken windows and place bars on the doors and other ways of entry into the facility.