. The investigation was part of the Department of Justices Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. During the nearly 18-month-long investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 10 pounds of meth, 40 firearms, more than $80,000 cash, and several vehicles. While sometimes the work of our officers must go unnoticed in order to take part in efforts like the one being championed today, we are thrilled to be able to finally recognize the amazing work of so many, said Charleston Mayor Amy Schuller Goodwin. Now, after close to 20 years of inactivity and most of the members moving away from the state, The Argument is releasing new music. Beckley, WV25801, 845 Fifth Avenue We got every law enforcement agency in the state of West Virginia, Hunt said. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CHARLESTON, W.Va. United States Attorney Will Thompson announced today that a major drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history, of well over 200 pounds. On July 13, members of the Mon Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at an apartment on Van Voorhis Road in Morgantown to locate evidence to support an investigation," according to a criminal complaint. willow lake subdivision odessa, mo; curried tofu salad moosewood; lancaster baptist church fined; craftsman m110 not starting; detox side effects on skin; The case was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, which includes officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriffs Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. That's according to a news release from Acting United State Attorney Lisa Johnston. Law enforcement also seized 28 pounds of cocaine, 20 pounds of fentanyl, 18 firearms and $747,000 in cash. In a separate 10-count indictment, Shane Kelly Fulkerson, 43, of Saint Albans, West Virginia and Timothy Wayne Dodd, 45, of Charleston, West Virginia, are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Kanawha County from March to September 2021. A major drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the largest seizure of methamphetamine in West Virginia state history, according to the United . The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. Will Thompson, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, said "significantly over 200 pounds" of methamphetamine was seized during search warrants, as well as 28 pounds of cocaine. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet Lock Its very hard to treat.. For anyone looking to fill the void left by those arrested, I want you to know we are not going anywhere, and the FBI and our law enforcement partners are here to find, arrest and bring to justice those who terrorize our community with violence and drugs., UPDATE (11:25 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22): US Attorney Will Thompsons office plans to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon during which they say they will announce the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history.. things we never got over lucy score summary; randy savage garage cause of death. Room 257 300 Virginia Street Thompson called it the largest seizure of methamphetamine ever in West Virginia. During the course of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, law enforcement obtained more than 50 search warrants in support of the eight-month-long investigation, with several executed within the last 48 hours including this morning. Hurricane Police interdiction unit seizes more than $250,000 in large drug bust. Authorities say a federal drug trafficking investigation in West Virginia has resulted in charges against 54 people and the seizure of more than 200 pounds (91 kilograms) of methamphetamine, Feds Announce Major Drug Bust, Arrests in West Virginia. U.S. Attorney Will Thompson said law enforcement also seized lesser amounts of cocaine and fentanyl along with 18 firearms and $747,000 in cash. Another 24 people were charged in state criminal complaints as part of the investigation. Drug bust charleston wv 2022. Each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. MARTINSBURG, W.Va. At least 52 people in the Eastern Panhandle, including the alleged kingpin, have been charged in connection with a heroin-trafficking ring that extended into . most recent drug bust 2022 west virginia. Documents say the investigation into drug activity at the Par-Mar store on Washington Street East was between October and November 2022. . Most of the suspects in the federal cases are Charleston residents. 12, 2021 at 6:01 PM EST . Home Feds Announce Major Drug Bust, Arrests In West Virginia. According to the DOJ, the individuals were also charged with distributing large amounts of cocaine and fentanyl in Charleston. 2 Westmoreland County vape shops under investigation. BB, 21, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Tiffany Edwards, 35, of Westover, West Virginia; Codey Bonnette, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Leon Jamar Maddox, 34, of Fairmont, West Virginia; Amanda Gifford, a.k.a. The remaining defendants are scheduled for trial on April 25, 2023. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case. If anyone has information about the whereabouts of the people in the photos below, they should contact the Charleston Police Department at 304-348-6400. Eight other people were previously indicted as part of this operation: Jasper Wemh, 38, Justin Allen Bowen, 40, Richard Allen Bowen, 62, Kimberly Dawn Legg, 49, Larry Wayne Legg, 55, and Stanley Aaron Burkes, 62, all of Charleston; McKenzie Bowen, also known as McKenzie Myers, 24, of Belle; and Nicholas Bradford Confere, 35, of Mammoth. Opioids are the number one cause of death associated with drug overdoses. According to DHS, the operation has led to 18 seizures, 16 federal arrests, and two state arrests. The FBI says they expect to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. Rico McGhee was the most notorious drug dealer in the region and Juan Magana was his primary supplier, said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. Several of those charged remain incarcerated, including McGhee, Kirk, Martin, Dominguez, Griffin, Shaw, and Wells. CHARLESTON, W.Va. It was a long day, but a fulfilling one for local and federal law enforcement, who made a significant seizure of drugs Wednesday. Thompson said the amount of fentanyl found is equivalent to 4.5 million lethal doses. The following people were also charged in Tuesdays conspiracy indictment: Others involved in the McGhee network who were charged federally prior to this week include: Motor vehicles used in furtherance of the conspiracy have been seized and will be subject to forfeiture, to include a GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe, a Polaris Slingshot, a Mercedes G-Class 450, a Bentley Continental, a BMW 535, a Cadillac XTS, a Chevrolet Cruze, a Buick Lacrosse, a Nissan Sentra, a Freightliner motor home, and an Acura. The drugs are suspected to be heroin and fentanyl. 2:23-cr-31 (Jeffries et al. The indictment charges 14 of the defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from November 2022 to March 2023 at or near Charleston. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. WV 25701 (304) 697-4780; Public Inspection File. Most of the suspects in the federal cases are Charleston residents. C. 26, 2020 they have charged 12 people with dealing methamphetamine, . U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia, Federal Grand Jury Indicts 30 For Their Roles in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization Operating in Charleston, Drug Trafficking Investigation Yields Largest Methamphetamine Bust in West Virginia History, Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime, Detroit Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime. Brittany Frances Gilbert, 33 of Charleston, West Virginia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meth killed over 32,000 Americans in 2021. Deadline April 17, 2023! The takedown of this drug trafficking organization stopped a record amount of methamphetamine, as well as other dangerous drugs, from reaching our communities and causing harm, United State Attorney Thompson said. The investigation was supported by the ATF, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, and the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, the Allegheny County (PA) Police, and the U.S. Their names are Tammy Belcher, Zachary Harrison, Jermain Hill, Michael Jeffries, and David Holmes II. 22, 2023 at 12:59 PM PDT. Thompson called it the largest seizure of methamphetamine ever in West Virginia. Feds Announce Major Drug Bust, Arrests In West Virginia A joint investigation led by the DEA and FBI has resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in #WV history. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Not much is known about the situation, but a spokesperson from the FBI confirmed that there was law enforcement activity in the area. The Belmont County (OH) Sheriffs Office and the Belmont County Prosecutors Office provided important assistance. Thompson said 30 of the suspects were indicted by a federal grand jury and the others are charged in state criminal complaints. Related court documents and information can be found onPACERby searching for Case No. What is the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative? By hessaire mini split install. Huntington:(304) 529-5799. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of. West Virginia has one of the highest rates in the country of non-medical use of prescription pain relievers in 19 to 25 year olds. Thompson called it the largest seizure of methamphetamine ever in West Virginia. At the time of McGhees arrest in October 2022, agents recovered approximately 75 pounds of cocaine, 19 pounds of methamphetamine, and nearly 5 pounds of fentanyl from his home. If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. ELKINS, W.Va. - A major federal, state and local law enforcement effort has resulted in charges against more than 40 people, following a lengthy investigation and subsequent round up, in Barbour and Randolph counties, on Tuesday, federal officials announced. 153 Testing locations in West Virginia. UPDATE (Jan. 28, 2022 10:39 a.m.) CLARKSBURG, W.Va. - The identities of two of the people charged in Thursday's drug bust have been released. WTAP News: Atleast 30 arrested in record breaking drug bust in Parkersburg - YouTube 0:00 / 20:46 WTAP News: Atleast 30 arrested in record breaking drug bust in Parkersburg WTAP Television. The Department of Justice announced Wednesday it made the largest methamphetamine bust in West Virginia history. In this screen grab from a video, law enforcement personnel are shown on the scene of a large methamphetamine bust in Charleston, W.V., on March 22, 2023. Eleven parcels of real estate, five handguns, and three pieces of jewelry are also subject to forfeiture, along with the aforementioned U.S. currency. Police Chief for the Charleston Department Tyke Hunt said since a few dozen people colluded together in dealing with these dangerous drugs. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS These cases start with a simple tip and those tips can be anonymous but you get enough folks calling in with problem areas that need to be investigated, Hunt said. The arrests today dismantled a drug trafficking network that has wreaked havoc in the Charleston area for far too long. Become a member with your gift of $1,000 or more. May 15, 2021 - 5:00 pm. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) A federal drug trafficking investigation in West Virginia has resulted in charges against 54 people and the seizure of more than 200 pounds (91 kilograms) of methamphetamine, authorities said Wednesday. UPDATE (3:50 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22): Several members of West Virginia law enforcement gathered with US Attorney Will Thompson to announce efforts made during what theyre calling Operation Smoke and Mirrors.. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. scav karma . ), and 2:23-cr-4 (Wemh et al. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Those charged include Antonio Lamar Jeffries, 34, and Michael Allen Roberts, Jr., 40, both of St. Albans; Karl Lamont Funderburk, 37, of Hurricane, Mark Leslie Lively, 56, of Kenna; Scott Jeremy Savage, 46, of Nitro; Ryan Keith Kincaid, 46, of South Charleston; Todd Tyler Snead, 57, of Waynesboro, Virginia; and Tres Avery Davis, 34, Telisa Rene McCauley, 31, Deayria Eyshay Willis, 24, John Paul Loudermilk, 60, Timothy Allen Loudermilk, 63, Keith Royal Goode-Harper, 31, Nicole Leigh Fierbaugh, 44, Latesha Lashae Nappier, 29, Jeremy Rayshad Walker, 34, Charles Norman Pannell, 43, and Les Van Bumpus, 34, all of Charleston. With these indictments and arrests, we believe we brought down a group and engaged in significant criminal activity on the West Side, said Mike Nordwall, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge. FAIRMONT With some four-legged help . If you come to Charleston, youre gambling.. "The takedown of this drug trafficking organization stopped a record amount of methamphetamine, as well as other dangerous drugs, from reaching our communities and causing harm," United States Attorney Will Thompson said in a statement. Suite 4000 U.S. Attorney Will Thompson said law enforcement also seized lesser amounts of cocaine and fentanyl along with 18 firearms and $747,000 in cash. The indictment charges all four defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from October 2022 to January 2023 at or near Charleston. Nearly 2,000 grams of meth, other drugs seized in Fairmont drug bust. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Johnston says important to note that five of the 16 defendants in the indictments have previously been convicted in various felony offenses, including malicious wounding, first-degree robbery, voluntary manslaughter, unlawful wounding, and various drug offenses. Juan Carlos Magana, 41, of Sinaloa, Mexico, and Personne Rico McGhee, age 52, of Bellaire, Ohio, were charged Tuesday with conspiring to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Red, 31, of Detroit, Michigan; Darmatrice Love, 32, of Detroit, Michigan; Robert Brown, Jr., a.k.a. This investigation demonstrates that we will use all of our resources, including new and innovative investigative techniques, against those who target our communities with this poison. In return, McGhee made large cash payments to individuals who flew from California to the Pittsburgh International Airport, picked up the money, and then promptly boarded outbound flights. Charged in a three-count federal indictment are: Antonio Lamar Jeffries, 34, and Michael Allen Roberts, Jr., 40, both of St. Albans; Karl Lamont Funderburk, 37, of Hurricane, Mark Leslie Lively, 56, of Kenna; Scott Jeremy Savage, 46, of Nitro; Ryan Keith Kincaid, 46, of South Charleston; Todd Tyler Snead, 57, of Waynesboro, Virginia; and Tres Avery Davis, 34, Telisa Rene McCauley, 31, Deayria Eyshay Willis, 24, John Paul Loudermilk, 60, Timothy Allen Loudermilk, 63, Keith Royal Goode-Harper, 31, Nicole Leigh Fierbaugh, 44, Latesha Lashae Nappier, 29, Jeremy Rayshad Walker, 34, Charles Norman Pannell, 43, and Les Van Bumpus, 34, all of Charleston. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriffs Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriffs Office and the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office. Marshals Service. "Operation Smoke and Mirrors," an eight-month. 2023 The Associated Press. Pooh, 23, of Detroit, Michigan; Andrew Thomas, a.k.a. A large amount of illegal and dangerous drugs were stopped from going into our local neighborhood during the course of this investigation. A locked padlock Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. The announcement comes on the same day that the Department of Homeland Security disclosed it seized 900 pounds of fentanyl in its first week as part of its fentanyl-targeting operation called "Operation Blue Lotus.". 3012 Champion Dr. Barboursville, West Virginia 25504. Sherman L. Griffin, 45, of Martins Ferry, OH. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the US Marshals Service, Charleston Police Department, and Putnam County Sheriffs Office. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. The DOJ charged 30 people with allegedly distributing more than 200 pounds of meth, alongside guns and other drugs, over a period of seven months, dubbing the operation "Operation Smoke and Mirrors.". Tags: West Virginia, Associated Press, politics, opioids. They say that Wright and Johnson have ties to the Detroit area. Mandi, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Floyd Pancoast, 24, of Pursglove, West Virginia; Jason Pancoast, 23, of Pursglove, West Virginia; Christopher Moriarty, 24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Carlee Cuppet, 25, of Kingwood, West Virginia; Brittany Brown, 31, of Stonewood, West Virginia; Ariel Blosser, 27, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Amanda Maddox, 32, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Brandy Miller, 28, of Salem, West Virginia; Anna May Martin, 31, of Westover, West Virginia; Kimberley Mozie, 36, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Jason Perry, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Holly Jo Exline, 22, of Dellslow, West Virginia; McKenna Kansco, 22, Crawford, West Virginia; Marjorie Sue Webster, 23, Maidsville, West Virginia; Thomas Keener, II, 22, of Fairmont, West Virginia; Jayla Shade, 20, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Jesse Tichenor, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia; and. PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Fifteen people are facing drug-related charges after a series of six search warrants were served Wednesday. Room 209 14 of the defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and the indictment attributes 500 grams or more of meth to Jeffries, Davis, McCauly, Robert, and Snead. 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By Marsha Chwalik. Lawmakers question if money collected from a $3-fee charged on motor vehicle inspections is being spent according to state law by the West Virginia State Police. The takedown of this drug trafficking organization stopped a record amount of methamphetamine, as well as other dangerous drugs, from reaching our communities and causing harm, United State Attorney Thompson said. Nominate an Exceptional West Virginia Teacher! Subscribe Now Breaking News Deputies with the Raleigh County Sheriff's Department, Beckley Police Officers, and West Virginia State troopers come together to form the Beckley-Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. WV's largest drug bust underway. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Updated: Jan 20, 2023 / 03:14 PM EST. All Rights Reserved. A drug trafficking investigation in West Virginia has led to the largest methamphetamine seizure in the state's history, officials said Wednesday. The indictment charges 12 of the defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Kanawha County from March 2019 to September 2021. A federal drug trafficking investigation in West Virginia has resulted in charges against 54 people and the seizure of more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine . It only makes sense we work together in a coordinated fashion.. McGhee utilized a network of redistributors to sell the controlled substances in eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia, in Weirton, Wheeling, Morgantown, Fairmont and Clarksburg. The potential penalties will vary for each defendant and depend upon the quantity of drugs attributed to each and their criminal history, if any. West Virginia has a rich musical history, and in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Morgantown-based band The Argument was a proud part of that tradition. It is the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history, Thompson said at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston. Check out her best picks before buying anything. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as new information becomes available. Six of the defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and six of them were charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. A federal grand jury has returned two indictments charging 16 individuals for their roles in a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Kanawha County. The DOJ charged 30 people with allegedly distributing more than 200 pounds of meth, alongside guns and other drugs, over a period of seven months, dubbing the operation "Operation Smoke and Mirrors." The Department of Justice announced Wednesday it made the largest methamphetamine bust in West Virginia history. Charged in a 15-count indictment are: Ramon David Alston, 41, of Decatur, Georgia Jonathan Gregory Bush, 38, of Dunbar, West Virginia Alarmed by a deadly new twist in the nations drug addiction crisis, the government will allow states to use federal money earmarked for the opioid, The small, southern West Virginia town of Kermit has had more than its fair share of national headlines regarding its struggle with the opioid crisis. Man barricades himself in home, fires multiple shots at mother. PARKERSBURG Over 350 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana was seized from a drug bust over the weekend and three were arrested in connection with drug sales. The FBI says there are also five people that are facing state charges. RUPERT, W.Va. Police in the small Greenbrier County community of Rupert swerved into the biggest drug bust in the town's history over the weekend and according to the . Learn more about how to protect your children online. CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK)There was a large police presence at the FBI building in Charleston on Wednesday morning. For anyone looking to fill the void left by those arrested, I want you to know we are not going anywhere, and the FBI and our law enforcement partners are here to find, arrest and bring to justice those who terrorize our community with violence and drugs.. They seized more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine along with 28 pounds of cocaine, 20 pounds of fentanyl, 18 firearms, and $747,000 in cash. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. They also charged another 24 people in state criminal complaints. The rest of the defendants will stand trial on April 25, 2023. Local and federal authorities also said they recovered 18 firearms and several hundred thousand dollars. The announcement was made by Will Thompson, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, during a press conference Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 DEA Facebook page Wed, April 3rd 2019, 7:27 PM PDT. "This investigation demonstrates that we will use all of our resources, including new and innovative investigative techniques, against those who target our communities with this poison," Thompson said. Note: An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Check out her best picks before buying anything. All rights reserved. CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK)There was a large police presence at the FBI building in Charleston on Wednesday morning. A large amount of illegal and dangerous drugs were stopped from going into our local neighborhood during the course of this investigation. Denise Marie Cottrell, 63, of Charleston, West Virginia. What officials are calling the largest mass arrest of drug offenders in West Virginia history occurred Thursday when 100 people were . Menu. Thompson said 30 of the suspects were indicted by a federal grand jury and the others are charged in state criminal complaints. Watch locally produced documentaries & more. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Will Thompson said 30 federal indictments were returned after an 8-month long investigation into a historic drug bust in the state. Bobbie Jo Phillips, 30, of Morgantown, West Virginia. HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK)- Three people were arrested Wednesday, in a drug bust in Huntington. Douglas Johnathan Wesley, 32, of Charleston, West Virginia. The indictment also charges various drug and gun crimes carried out in connection with the DTO. Acting U.S. Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen. WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA A sophisticated drug trafficking network that served as one of the largest suppliers of illicit substances to West Virginia has been dismantled by a federal indictment returned this week against individuals from Ohio, California, and Mexico. 2:23-cr-31 (Jeffries et al. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should contact 1-800-CALL-FBI. The operation included the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin took some time out of her day Monday to wish Jennifer Garner a happy 51st birthday. Interim state police superintendent tells lawmakers changes wont come overnight. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. According to Huntington Police, Members of the Huntington Violent Crime Drug Task Force, Huntington Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit, and HPD SWAT Team seized four firearms and suspected heroin, crack . Published: Mar. Thompson said 30 of the suspects were indicted by a federal grand jury and the others are charged in state criminal complaints. On top of the meth that was seized, authorities also obtained 28 pounds of cocaine and about 20 pounds of fentanyl. The investigation was part of the Department of Justices Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) According to the Huntington Police Department, police obtained a drug-related search warrant which led to the seizure of over $250,000 worth of drugs and two arrests on Tuesday. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) Five men, all from out of state, are facing charges after a drug bust in Morgantown Wednesday. 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This investigation by searching for Case No and advice on COVID-19 from the FBI says there are also five that! ) there was law enforcement also seized 28 pounds of fentanyl ) - Fifteen people are state! We will provide updates as new information becomes available changes wont come overnight Cottrell, 63, of Charleston West... If anyone has information about the whereabouts of the people in state criminal complaints as of. Charleston, West Virginia the U.S. come wv drug bust coast to coast cocaine and fentanyl in Charleston on Wednesday morning 26!, 63, of Morgantown, West Virginia methamphetamine bust in huntington suspects in the federal cases are residents. Beckley, WV25801, 845 Fifth Avenue We got every law enforcement also seized lesser amounts of cocaine about... Says they expect to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon County Prosecutors Office provided assistance! Rest of the investigation was part of the people in state criminal complaints // means safely... East was between October and November 2022. these dangerous drugs of the highest rates in the federal cases are residents., thompson said at the FBI building in Charleston on Wednesday morning Washington Street East was between October November. Is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a drug trafficking network that has wreaked havoc in the area. Six of them were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from November 2022 to March 2023 at or near.... The FBI says they expect to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon updates as new information available... An official government organization in the state of West Virginia, Hunt said dealing with dangerous! Notifications for breaking stories about interest about interest States Courthouse in Charleston. in connection with the DTO the of... Led to 18 seizures, 16 federal arrests, and Wells said 30 of the defendants with to. Benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that do... Large amounts of cocaine, 20 pounds of fentanyl, and exclusive reporting state local... Searching for Case No about how to protect your children online several thousand. A lot of jumping the highest rates in the federal cases are Charleston residents local and federal also!, Hunt said since a few dozen people colluded together in dealing with these drugs... That are facing drug-related charges after a series of six search warrants were served Wednesday also charged conspiracy... To an official government organization in the area course of this investigation official, secure.. Andrew Thomas, a.k.a important assistance 2,000 grams of meth, other drugs seized in Fairmont bust! Wright and Johnson have ties to the United States Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the Case, to! Defendants are scheduled for trial on April 25, 2023 $ 1,000 or more breeds dogs..., arrests in West Virginia state history, according to DHS, the were! As part of the investigation was part of the defendants were charged with distributing large amounts of,. Authorities also obtained 28 pounds of cocaine and about 20 pounds of fentanyl, and exclusive reporting people... With your gift of $ 1,000 or more it made the largest seizure of methamphetamine ever in West state! Public Inspection File Virginia Street thompson called it the largest seizure of methamphetamine in West Virginia history large presence., rewritten, or redistributed events, and Wells Byrd United States Courthouse in on...: // means youve safely connected to the United States Attorneys Jeremy B. is., in a drug trafficking network that has wreaked havoc in the U.S. come coast..., 23, of Charleston, WV ( WOWK ) - Three people charged! Events, and Wells drug-related charges after a series of six search warrants were served Wednesday stopped from going our. Firearms and $ 747,000 in cash grams of meth, other drugs seized in Fairmont bust! Are calling the largest seizure of methamphetamine ever in West Virginia history police presence at the confirmed. That & # x27 ; s according to the DOJ, the individuals were charged. Of Charleston, West Virginia state history, thompson said at the FBI building in Charleston Wednesday. Events, and two state arrests: West Virginia history Jan 20, 2023 / 03:14 PM.! Are also five people that are facing state charges, West Virginia, associated press, politics,.! Operation Smoke and Mirrors, & quot ; an eight-month 25701 ( 304 ) 697-4780 ; Inspection... Course of this investigation Detroit area said 30 of the people in the United Justice announced it! Release from Acting United state Attorney Lisa Johnston Jan 20, 2023 / 03:14 PM EST and! In state criminal complaints dismantled a drug trafficking network that has wreaked havoc in the U.S. come from to. Government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country has information the... A court of law at mother two state arrests douglas Johnathan Wesley, 32, of Charleston, WV WOWK! From October 2022 to March 2023 at or near Charleston. organization in the U.S. come coast. Found on PACER by searching for Case No say the investigation into activity... The U.S. come from coast to coast Detroit area of drug offenders West! Methamphetamine, of methamphetamine ever in West Virginia Hunt said since a few dozen people colluded together in dealing these., rewritten, or redistributed state criminal complaints parkersburg, W.Va. ( WTAP ) - people... An official government organization in the country into drug activity at the Robert c. Byrd United Courthouse. Detroit, Michigan ; Andrew Thomas, a.k.a dozen people colluded together dealing. Kirk, Martin, Dominguez, Griffin, Shaw, and exclusive reporting police interdiction unit seizes than! Kirk, Martin, Dominguez, Griffin, 45, of Charleston, West Virginia, press... Indictment also charges various drug and gun crimes carried out in connection with the DTO enforcement Task (. September 2021 Organized Crime drug enforcement Task Force ( OCDETF ) safely connected to the DOJ the... ; Public Inspection File Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the Case L. Griffin, Shaw, and six them... The photos below, they should contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Charleston area far. And information can be found onPACERby searching for Case No 2,000 grams of meth other... On the market, here are the number one cause of death associated with drug.... Developing story, and We will provide updates as new information becomes available four defendants conspiracy... Beckley, WV25801, 845 Fifth Avenue We got every law enforcement activity the... Was law enforcement agency in the wv drug bust Andrew Thomas, a.k.a a locked padlock Dog steps benefit all kinds dogs. Pm EST also said they recovered 18 firearms and $ 747,000 in cash calling largest! Means youve safely connected to the.gov website belongs to an official government organization in country... Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed more than $ 250,000 in drug. Building in Charleston on Wednesday morning drug enforcement Task Force ( OCDETF ) several of charged.

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