GALLIPOLIS — A Gallipolis man indicted for trafficking of drugs in close proximity to a school now faces additional drug related charges after authorities allegedly discovered illegal prescription drugs during his arrest.

Ronald K. Vansickle, 51, 242 Fourth Avenue, was reportedly indicted on a secret indictment for allegedly dealing Opana tablets from his residence which is located within 1,000 feet of both Gallia Academy Middle School and a daycare center.

When deputies from the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office executed an arrest warrant on Friday, April 23 stemming from the indictment, probation officers also executed a search of the residence. Vansickle is currently on probation for drug related charges.

The search reportedly yielded eight Percocet pills retrieved from a trashcan, needles and a spoon.

In addition to the indictment, Vansickle could also be charged with tampering with evidence, possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“Mr. Vansickle’s arrest highlights the need for drug enforcement programs like we’ve been able to carry on through our drug enforcement grant,” said Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning. “We are paying particular attention to those that are in close proximity to schools. In this particular case, we have worked closely with the Gallipolis City Police and Gallia County Prosecutor’s Office in trying to remove that problem from the area.”