Two Men Arrested On Drug Charges

Two men were found overdosed from Heroin Saturday night in two different locations in Newport. Around 9:20 pm, police were called to Wal-Mart about a man overdosing in the men’s restroom. Police arrived and found 31 year old Justice Groth on all fours in the Wal-Mart…a used syringe and a bag containing .37 grams of heroin was found in his pocket. Groth refused medical attention but became ill on the way to jail and had to be taken to the Newport Medical Center for treatment, where he became combative with hospital staff.

Then about an hour later, around10:40 pm, police were called to a shed behind Feed My Sheep. A man, 56 year old James Ball was lying on the ground making gurgling noises. Multiple Narcan containers were scattered near him where someone had administered the drug to him. Ball came alert and was checked out by paramedics. A baggie containing one gram of heroin was found next to Mr. Ball.

Both Groth and Ball have been charged with possession of Schedule I narcotics. Groth was also wanted on a warrant in Hamblen County.