Drug investigation leads to arrests

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

The investigation of a major drug operation has resulted in indictments against several Wythe County residents, police said. It began in February as a cooperative effort of the Virginia State Police and the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrests began early Wednesday morning as troopers, special agents, investigators and deputies rounded up those indicted Monday by a Wythe County Circuit Court grand jury. The arrests were expected to continue throughout the day.
According to Wythe County Sheriff Doug King, the charges are primarily for the distribution of methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Several involve the manufacturing of methamphetamine, a powerful stimulant.
Additional indictments are expected after the grand jury meets again next week, the sheriff said. The total number of arrests from the investigation could reach 28, according to King.
“Due to the volume of the cases we’re dealing with, we couldn’t present them all at the same time,” the sheriff stated. “These are substantial drug dealers.”
King noted the joint investigation began in February. He also said 35 search warrants were served during the course of the investigation.
A complete list of Monday’s indictments will be listed in Saturday’s edition of the Wytheville Enterprise.
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .