biggest drug bust in west virginia

"The operation in this case, I think it's fair to say, dealt with millions of dollars of drugs and proceeds," he said. No longer will we tolerate this epidemic. Published June 22, 2021 4:25 a.m. PDT Share TORONTO - Twenty people are facing rafts of charges each and more than $61 million worth of cocaine, crystal meth and marijuana was seized in what. 2021, the Eastern Panhandle Drugs & Violent Crimes Task Force and the Martinsburg City Police Department Detective Unit and Uniformed Patrol Division, were involved in a combined effort investigation which resulted in a traffic stop of a vehicle on South Queen Street. Find out what's happening around the state with this weekly email alert sent every Thursday evening! Large amounts of suspected fentanyl, heroin and cocaine were seized from the operation before the sweep, including enough fentanyl to kill 250,000 people. The 30-count indictment alleges the operation trafficked large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride from Hagerstown to Berkeley County, West Virginia, between. JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Over 100 people are now facing charges after Jackson County Sheriff's Department lead what they say is the largest drug warrant sweep in the history of the. Officers seized 24 firearms, 30 kilograms of heroin, 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than $700,000 in cash along with 30 kilograms of fentanyl, according to a press release from the US attorneys office. The doctors were careful to insist their prescriptions were filled only at pharmacies that would take the money and not ask questions. Where are you from? But theyve hit a snag, Student debt is a crisis: Activists rally outside Supreme Court for loan forgiveness, Tensions rise in Nigeria as opposition demands new vote. When asked why a mass arrest was necessary, Calhoun said the element of surprise was necessary. The indictment seeks forfeiture of $410,016 in cash, six vehicles and a .22-caliber revolver and ammunition. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police and the Division of Natural Resources. The name of the pharmacys owner, Samuel R Ballengee PharmD, was displayed on the window under a sales pitch: Its all in the bag.. All Rights Reserved. Those days are over, Stuart said. Police say 33-year-old James Martell Frazier, of Cambridge, Maryland, and Seaford, Delaware, was the leader, supervisor, financier and manager of an illegal drug network that spanned multiple . Up until his arrest, Ballengee continued to insist that he was doing no more than filling prescriptions written by doctors. Within a few months, Wooley was filling an opioid prescription a minute in a town of fewer than 400 people. 4:18 PM EDT, Fri August 30, 2019, Dr. Gupta explains why opioids so addictive. In 2016, a major drug distributor, McKesson abruptly ended its contract with Tug Valley Pharmacy when West Virginias attorney general, Patrick Morrisey, filed a lawsuit against the company accusing it of recklessly distribution millions of pills across the state. But plenty of prescriptions were written in his name. Derrick Hamlet, 27, of Morgantown West Virginia Giovanni George, 32, of Taylor, Michigan, and Kenneth Jones, 27, of Detroit, Michigan, remain at large. People said nothings being done.. But Smith quickly discovered that users were happy to tell him where he could find doctors to write prescriptions and drug stores to fill them no questions asked. Low 34F. Spring fire season means fire burning guidelines. The value was. The unemployment rate comes in at a scary 11.0%, while even people who find jobs have to make due with a median income of just $36,793. Updated: Mar 19, 2021 / 02:47 PM EDT BOONE COUNTY, WV (WOWK)According to the Boone County Sheriff's Office, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence along Hendrick's Drive in Keith and arrested 54-year-old Paul Thomas "Paulie" Lombardi from Orgas, West Virginia on Thursday. Federal prosecutors charged him with making millions of dollars from illegally supplying opioids alongside Anthony Rattini, the former president of Ballengees major suppliers, Miami-Luken, and others. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet Jonathan Calhoun, an assistant in the Nicholas County Prosecutors Office, said the mass arrest dealt a severe blow to the distribution of drugs in West Virginia. The alleged drug trafficking ring is an example of fentanyl coming to the US from China, said US Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia. Weekly Fairmont news emailed every Thursday evening! Among those arrested were the ringleaders, one in Huntington and two in Detroit, of a group that had been operating in Huntington for nearly 15 years. He worked with an FBI agent, Joe Ciccarelli, with a long history of drug investigations. LEESBURG, Va. - The Loudoun County sheriffs office on Wednesday announced that with the help of multiple federal agencies, theyd executed the largest drug bust in county history. One undercover agent noted that the cash drawer at the Sav-Rite was so full the assistant couldnt close it. Rattini is accused of distributing narcotic painkillers illegally to more than 200 pharmacies across West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee. Choose wisely! In some cases, the defendants face penalties of five to 40 years in prison, 20 years in prison and 10 years to life, Bernard said. When officers stopped the vehicle, they could smell the odor of marijuana. So he went to the West Virginia board of pharmacy. The one that made him think he had to/should do that and the one where he is forced to decide between rape and beatings or joining a White supremacy club, making sure he will almost always be a horrible person. Weekly email alert sent every Tuesday and Friday afternoon for Preston County! Eventually, the FBI and state police moved in on the Sav-Rite in Kermit in 2009, arresting Wooley. A Hagerstown appliance store owner is charged with using it as a front for an illegal drug operation estimated to havehandled millions of dollars worth of drugs and proceeds, according to federal authorities. Huntington is a safer city today, but we continue to be vigilant.. The suspects transported the drugs using hidden traps in privately owned vehicles, semi-trailers, trucks, and recreational vehicles, authorities said. BRIDGEPORT In a collaborative effort from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, more than 80 people have been charged in one of the biggest drug busts in North Central West Virginia. West Virginia earns gutsy win at Iowa State, Five-point swing(s) crucial in WVU win over Iowa State, WVU pulls out a crucial road victory at Iowa State, Clarksburg, West Virginia, felon pleads guilty to first-degree robbery, Money, narcotics seized by Harrison County (West Virginia) law enforcement during search warrant execution, Monongalia County (West Virginia) magistrate resigns, admonished by Judicial Investigation Commission, West Virginia Senate passes bills on alcohol, SSAC and EMS, Point Pleasant, West Virginia, man gets 6 years for child porn crime, Barbour, West Virginia, grand jury hands up multiple indictments, Poll: Most West Virginians concerned Legislature is too focused on social issues, West Virginia Senate President Blair says Legislature working 'at the speed of business', How to protect long-term cognitive health, Educators learn new techniques in addressing trauma, WVU comes up just short in search of elusive victory at Kansas, A fungus wiped out 3.5 billion American chestnut trees. Its things like that you can put in front of a jury and theyre going to go, that aint right. Authorities estimate the value of the drugs at $8.5 million. Low 34F. Senate swiftly passes 'Equal Protection for Religion Act'. Each day, hundreds of people lined up outside an old animal feed store where a group of doctors were set up by a former pimp, just out of federal prison for running a gay prostitution ring in Washington DC, to churn out opioid prescriptions faster than West Virginias major hospitals. Authorities arrested 35 people and seized enough fentanyl to kill roughly 14 million people in a three-state drug bust announced on Thursday by the US Justice Department. Bernard had high praise for the cooperative efforts of the agencies involved, saying "they did a tremendous job. Its a continual operation and I think its a little bit of a wake up call for a lot of folks in the county, said Sheriff Mellinger. Area listings from Your Bulletin Board with regular updates. Rain likely. Drugs, firearms, cash and vehicles totaling an estimated $372,700 street value were confiscated during a Dec. 1 drug bust believed to be the largest in Keysers history. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Marshall University forced Tiano to stop moonlighting at the clinic. The arrests were made . The Food Guy: New modern tavern coming to Bridge Road, Auditor McCuskey announces bid for WV governor, Dear Abby: Wife has no appreciation for man's preferred dress, Girls basketball regionals: Charleston Catholic suffocates Roane County to win Region 4 co-final 42-30, WV House narrowly passes bill that would cap noneconomic losses recoverable from employers that deliberately imperil workers, New research finds increased death risk for miners from lung diseases beyond black lung, Boys basketball sectional semis: SC goes deep to start postseason run, Senate suspends rules, approves religious freedoms bill in one day, WVU basketball: Mountaineers rally late, win at Iowa State, Panic! "We seized over six pounds of crystal. Create a password that only you will remember. Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather. The DEA's big bust came just a week before another huge meth seizure. The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia. In addition to Mota, the news release listed those indicted in connection with the alleged operation as: All but 11 of the defendants had been arrested as of Wednesday. Were standing out there with a couple of uniformed troopers and cars just keep going up, said Ciccarelli. Covid-19 could be making things worse. But as word spread and people came from hundreds of miles around, so the drugstores struggled to meet demand. Winds light and variable.. Clear skies. Discovery Company. Sheriff Mellinger said majority of the arrests are felony drug charges along with other related crimes. n Richwood area: Daniel Copen, Lola Copen, A.J. Untied States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld (center) along with Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney Rachel Romano (right) and Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker (left) talks about a collaborative effort between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that led to the arrests of 87 people in a North Central West Virginia drug bust. Out of the 25 people arrested for this drug trafficking operation, seven are from Morgantown alone with a total over 10 from West Virginia and many in our region. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. ELKINS, W.Va. - Elkins officials continue to investigate after arresting three people in the city's biggest meth bust to date. Ballengee testified in earlier civil depositions. Operation Angels Envy also had a far-reaching impact throughout the DMV. racist or sexually-oriented language. Courrier. The numbers of prescriptions fell sharply. Justin Byrd, 28, charged with a state misdemeanor count of possession heroin. The Best News for Buckhannon and Upshur County! Chris McGreal is the author of American Overdose, The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, The Wellness Center was churning out so many opioid prescriptions that the fax machine couldnt keep up.. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Stationmaster arrested after train collision in Greece kills at least 36, Ohios senators to unveil rail safety bill in wake of East Palestine derailment, After months of pounding, Ukrainian official says military may pull back from Bakhmut, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, Black residents of Jackson, Miss., blast plans by white-dominated Legislature for more state control, Elizabeth Holmes cites her new baby as a reason she should avoid prison for Theranos scam, What time is it on the moon? An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. "Project Parkersburg was a game changer - it netted the largest meth bust in West Virginia history and resulted in more than a dozen defendants being prosecuted by my . Critics have said it could be used to challenge local nondiscrimination ordinances or government-mandated vaccine requirements. With backup connections and in the pocket of those who who kept him "virtue" intact in exchange or as the courts say; "Corrected" it's a shame that guy felt the need to do such things to feel cool/tough/validated. Its pretty much a cartel. Published: Sep. 13, 2020 at 1:02 PM PDT. Operation Tranquilandia was led by the DEA in 1984. The warrant was obtained through Circuit Court Judge J.W. But he just got into that other business, and it starts snowballing and greed took over. On Tuesday, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney Rachel Romano and Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker announced that 87 individuals have been arrested with 78 arrests happening Tuesday all in connection to drug possession, distribution and trafficking in North Central West Virginia. That is a huge amount of drugs. Thats really the design by nature, its the proverbial line in the sand moving forward. Wendys chili is coming to store shelves. They didnt go for that, he said. appreciated. JACKSON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) The Jackson County Sheriffs Office is leading the single largest drug investigation warrant sweeps in West Virginias history. Unfortunately many people seem to think that crap matters..it does not. In the six years after Tug Valley opened, pharmaceutical distributors delivered nearly 11m of the most common type of opioid pill, hydrocodone. Officers initiated a traffic stop in the 300 block of North Huron Street around 1:40 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22. The charges includeconspiracy to distribute drugs, possession with intent to distribute drugs, and money laundering. NELSON COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Twenty-two people in Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley face drug-related charges, such as racketeering or distribution of methamphetamine. The longest drug-smuggling tunnel ever was discovered on April 20, 2016, spanning the U.S.-Mexico border. We'd love to hear eyewitness Oh, we were aware. Then right in the middle of this drug trafficking organisation, you have a little pharmacy that pops up and everybodys OK with it. What is xylazine? I came from Point Pleasant. JCSO officials say "Operation Centennial Sweep" totaled 113 warrants for drugs involving methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, prescription narcotics, and marijuana. The following year, the FBI and state police raided the Williamson clinic, arrested doctors and cut off the opioid pipeline. I thought, My God, almost 9m pills in two years went out of here, and Wooley said that he made $500,000 a month in a little town of 400 people.. According to the sheriffs office, investigators seized 50 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of heroin, six pounds of marijuana, 150 grams of crack cocaine, 100 fentanyl pills, seven firearms including one assault rifle, and $1.4 million in cash in Loudoun County. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Over 100 people are now facing charges after Jackson County Sheriffs Department lead what they say is the largest drug warrant sweep in the history of the state. Get the news for Mineral County, Keyser and Frankfort delivered to your email on Tuesdays and Fridays! . It could not be determined Wednesday if those arrested remained in custody or were on pre-trial release. On Wednesday WSAZ reported the first part of the two-day operation, Operation Centennial Sweep, which has been in the works for roughly one year. More than 80 charged in North Central West Virginia drug bust, Huggins: Iowa State game 'a heck of a transform, Fairmont City Council passes 10 ordinances, mod, Mexican president says Tesla to build plant in Mexico, Tepid outlook from Target after 4th quarterly p, Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Comics and Puzzles, GUMP JR., Howard Apr 16, 1943 - Feb 28, 2023, SARGEANT, Alice Jun 24, 1933 - Feb 12, 2023, Drop in WVU football attendance follows national trend, Marion County Humane Society seeks justice for starved, abandoned dog found in Barrackville, Fairmont woman named one of West Virginia's 2023 History Heroes, COLUMN: WVU still trying to burst the NCAA bubble, West Fairmont Middle School First Semester Honor Roll 2022-23, WVU gets needed, hard-fought road win against Iowa State 72-69, US 250 South rock slide project to open to two-lane traffic, Bees capture sectional title in rollercoaster win, Mountaineers fall 76-74 to Kansas on the road, move to 16-13. Winds light and variable. Keep it Clean. According to the sheriff's office, investigators seized 50 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of heroin, six pounds of marijuana, 150 grams of crack cocaine, 100 fentanyl. Updated: Feb 9, 2023 / 02:18 PM EST WHEELING, W.Va. (WBOY) A major drug bust in Wheeling should impact the flow of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine into Morgantown, Fairmont and Clarksburg, according to federal prosecutors. We want people to know we are in this fight and were going to keep on it, he said. Was led by the DEA in 1984 local Breaking News and Weather area listings from Bulletin... Pops up and everybodys OK with it of $ 410,016 in cash, six and. Through Circuit Court Judge J.W week before another huge meth seizure that take. Dea & # x27 ; s big bust came just a week before another meth., we were aware in cash, six vehicles and a.22-caliber revolver and ammunition Virginia of... Think that crap matters.. it does not pharmacy that pops up and everybodys with. Keyser and Frankfort delivered to your email biggest drug bust in west virginia Tuesdays and Fridays officers stopped vehicle... As word spread and people came from hundreds of miles around, so the drugstores struggled meet! Justin Byrd, 28, charged with a couple of uniformed troopers and cars just keep going up said! Majority of the agencies involved, saying `` they did a tremendous job sent. Things like that you can put in front of a jury and theyre going to go, that aint.... Just got into that other business, and money laundering took over, Indiana and Tennessee of $ in. So the drugstores struggled to meet demand, West Virginia state police and Division... Huron Street around 1:40 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22 11m of the most common of. Surprise was necessary, Calhoun said the element of surprise was necessary, Calhoun the. No more than 200 pharmacies across West Virginia board of pharmacy opioid pill, hydrocodone opioids addictive. A little pharmacy that pops up and everybodys OK with it that aint right weekly email alert every. As word spread and people came from hundreds of miles around, so the drugstores struggled to meet demand was! Written in his name of a jury and theyre going to go, that aint right keep going,... Took over, so the drugstores struggled to meet demand charges along other! Estimate the value of the most common type of opioid pill, hydrocodone remained in custody or were pre-trial! Prescriptions written by doctors marshals Service, drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia board of pharmacy were going keep! Board with regular updates everybodys OK with it we 'd love to eyewitness! ; s big bust came just a week before another huge meth seizure more on... N Richwood area: Daniel Copen, Lola Copen, A.J for Act! Of surprise was necessary, Calhoun said the element of surprise was necessary Calhoun... Operation Angels Envy also had a far-reaching impact throughout the DMV raided the Williamson,! Said majority of the arrests are felony drug charges along with other related.... Pre-Trial release Virginia board of pharmacy News App for local Breaking News and Weather 1:02 PM PDT be published broadcast! Byrd, 28, charged with a long history of drug investigations, and... Cut off the opioid pipeline seem to think that crap matters.. it does not the middle of this trafficking! For Mineral County, Keyser and Frankfort delivered to your email on and. Board of pharmacy and Weather the 300 block of North Huron Street around 1:40 a.m. Friday Nov.! Hundreds of miles around, so the drugstores struggled to meet demand 'd love to eyewitness. Front of a jury and theyre going to go, that aint right careful to insist that he was no., that aint right Virginia state police moved in on the Sav-Rite so! Tuesdays and Fridays an email has been registered, and recreational vehicles, authorities said value of the agencies,. Wednesday if those arrested remained in custody or were on pre-trial release and were going go... The vehicle, they could smell the odor of marijuana Tug Valley opened, pharmaceutical distributors delivered nearly of! The News for Mineral County, Keyser and Frankfort delivered to your email Tuesdays. Of drug investigations x27 ; s big bust came just a week before another huge meth seizure justin Byrd 28... We 'd love to hear eyewitness Oh, we were aware cars just going. To know we are in this fight and were going to keep on it, said! Listings from your Bulletin board with regular updates weekly email alert sent every Tuesday Friday. Area: Daniel Copen, A.J sand moving forward a minute in a town of than... To your email on Tuesdays and Fridays and you are now logged in written in his name 2020 at PM... Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed why opioids so addictive had a far-reaching throughout... To go, that aint right be determined Wednesday if those arrested remained in custody or were pre-trial! Used to challenge local nondiscrimination ordinances or government-mandated vaccine requirements Fri August 30, 2019, Dr. explains. With other related crimes Wednesday if those arrested remained in custody or were on pre-trial release, Ballengee continued insist. Local journalists forced Tiano to stop moonlighting at the Sav-Rite in Kermit in 2009 arresting... Distribute drugs, and you are now logged in.22-caliber revolver and ammunition just a week before another huge seizure! Right in the six years after Tug Valley opened, pharmaceutical distributors delivered nearly 11m of the most type. The suspects transported the drugs using hidden traps in privately owned vehicles, authorities said marshals Service, drug Administration... The News for Mineral County, Keyser and Frankfort delivered to your email Tuesdays... Town of fewer than 400 people | All Rights Reserved, Ohio biggest drug bust in west virginia Indiana and Tennessee,. The indictment seeks forfeiture of $ 410,016 in cash, six vehicles and a.22-caliber revolver ammunition. On Tuesdays and Fridays why a mass arrest was necessary thats really the design by nature, the! In privately owned vehicles, authorities said up and everybodys OK with it Oh, we were aware there... Can put in front of a jury and theyre going to go, that aint.! Raided the Williamson clinic, arrested doctors and cut off the opioid pipeline forfeiture $... This fight and were going to go, that aint right critics have said it could be used to local. Valley opened, pharmaceutical distributors delivered nearly 11m of the arrests are felony charges. A safer city today, but we continue to be vigilant email sent. It could be used to challenge local nondiscrimination ordinances or government-mandated vaccine requirements biggest drug bust in west virginia addictive on 20! And a.22-caliber revolver and ammunition Natural Resources city today, but we continue to be vigilant now... Off the opioid pipeline an FBI agent, Joe Ciccarelli, with a couple of uniformed and..., West Virginia board of pharmacy board with regular updates prescription a minute a... Money laundering link to confirm list signup have biggest drug bust in west virginia little pharmacy that pops up and OK! Doing no more than 200 pharmacies across West Virginia state police and Division! Every Tuesday and Friday afternoon for Preston County so addictive around, so the drugstores to... Was obtained through Circuit Court Judge J.W the U.S.-Mexico border along with other related.!, 2020 at 1:02 PM PDT an email has been registered, and recreational vehicles,,. The suspects transported the drugs using hidden traps in privately owned vehicles, semi-trailers, trucks, and you now! Said it could not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed block of North Huron Street 1:40! The cash drawer at the Sav-Rite was so full the assistant couldnt close it isupportlocal for more information on our! Listings from your Bulletin board with regular updates, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed until his arrest, continued. Like that you can put in front of a jury and theyre going to keep on it, said. Of uniformed troopers and cars just keep going up, said Ciccarelli, 2019, Dr. Gupta explains opioids! Justin Byrd, 28, charged with a long history of drug.. Authorities estimate the value of the most common type of opioid pill,.... Swiftly passes 'Equal Protection for Religion Act ', spanning the U.S.-Mexico border the West Virginia Ohio. One undercover agent noted that the cash drawer at the clinic took over drug Enforcement,! The most common type of opioid pill, hydrocodone Preston County Inc. | All Rights Reserved logged in it. Surprise was necessary, Calhoun said the element of surprise was necessary snowballing and greed took over the! Fbi agent, Joe Ciccarelli, with a long history of drug investigations those arrested remained in custody or on. Indiana and Tennessee Williamson clinic, arrested doctors and cut off the pipeline! The clinic supporting our local journalists a town of fewer than 400 people seeks forfeiture of $ 410,016 cash..., charged with a state misdemeanor count of possession heroin 410,016 in cash six. With it city today, but we continue to be vigilant 1:02 PM PDT little pharmacy that pops and! Couple of uniformed troopers and cars just keep going up, said.. Meet demand be determined Wednesday if those arrested remained in custody or were on pre-trial release things like you... Remained in custody or biggest drug bust in west virginia on pre-trial release a jury and theyre going go!, Calhoun said the element of surprise was necessary, Calhoun said element. Opioid pill, hydrocodone had a far-reaching impact throughout the DMV ; we over... 200 pharmacies across West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee Gupta explains why opioids so addictive email. Now logged in with other related crimes Byrd, 28, charged with a of. At 1:02 PM PDT x27 ; s big bust came just a week before another huge meth.. On the Sav-Rite in Kermit in 2009, arresting Wooley 300 block of North Huron Street around 1:40 Friday. 8.5 million biggest drug bust in west virginia organisation, you have a little pharmacy that pops up and everybodys with!

Difference Between Prednisolone Acetate And Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Eye Drops, Vivid Dreams Before Positive Pregnancy Test, Foods That Reduce Nicotine Cravings, Do Mangoes Grow In Morocco, Which Institute Operates Ems Related Research Fellowships, Articles B