A bodyguard for Vivek Ramaswamy, a gubernatorial candidate from Ohio, was arrested last week on federal drug trafficking charges after authorities discovered various illegal substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, at his home. His name is Justin Salsbury, 43, and he shared the residence with his wife, Ruthann Rankin.
The couple was taken into custody on December 30 following a search warrant execution that allegedly revealed a stash of drugs tucked away in nicotine pouch containers, according to court documents and jail records.
Salsbury had been working for a private security firm contracted by Ramaswamy’s family. A campaign spokesperson expressed that the family was understandably “alarmed” by this distressing news.
Connie Luck, a representative for Ramaswamy, indicated that once informed about the situation, the security company swiftly removed Salsbury from his position. She added that he had passed multiple background checks conducted by security firms, including the FBI, with the most recent one taking place in September 2025.
Luck also noted that all security personnel go through pre-employment drug testing and random screenings while employed, and Salsbury had never failed a drug test.
Ramaswamy and his family reportedly take safety seriously and would back efforts to hold accountable those involved if the allegations are substantiated.
Authorities became aware of Salsbury and Rankin’s alleged trafficking activities back in November 2025 after a postal inspector in Columbus learned from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office that the couple was reportedly receiving large narcotic shipments.
Subsequent investigations by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) revealed that between August 1, 2024, and December 22, 2025, 31 packages purchased with cryptocurrency—often linked to the darknet—were sent to their home.
Sifting through their garbage, investigators found items like empty glass bottles and syringes that tested positive for fentanyl. In November, a package destined for the couple was intercepted, containing around 119 grams of blue pills that were identified as counterfeit OxyContin with fentanyl.
Authorities monitored subsequent deliveries and noted that the couple was regularly placing items in a cooler on their porch, which were later picked up by another individual. This person informed law enforcement that he had purchased Adderall from them.
The cooler contained a Zyn container with about 11 grams of orange pills that tested for methamphetamine. Following a search of the couple’s home, police discovered pills totaling 264 grams of fentanyl, 938 grams of methamphetamine, 19 grams of MDMA, among other controlled substances.
Additionally, they discovered meth in a Zyn container and suspected drugs from Velo, another nicotine pouch brand. Rankin is reported to be a school teacher who also participates in bodybuilding competitions, where she shares videos online. Salsbury reportedly admitted to transitioning from selling steroids to distributing other drugs.
Both Salsbury and Rankin face charges related to the distribution or conspiracy to sell significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possession with the intent to distribute these substances.
Ramaswamy is currently in a tight race for the Ohio gubernatorial seat against Democrat Amy Acton, leading by just one point, according to recent polling data.
