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Major, multi-agency drug bust announced in Huntington

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Law enforcement officials announced a major bust of drug traffickers and related drug networks today.

More than 100 arrests were announced in what officials called Operation Saigon Sunset.

The morning in Huntington began with a helicopter hovering over Huntington and widespread reports of raids in area neighborhoods.

Police and drug enforcement agents explained more about the effort during an 11 a.m. news conference at Huntington’s police headquarters.

Law enforcement agencies were aiming to dismantle the Peterson Drug Trafficking Organization, a major multi-state heroin and fentanyl distribution network.

Besides that focus, federal, state and local law enforcement were executing arrests for related violent elements including narcotics and firearms targets.

The announcement was made at the police headquarters in Huntington. A news conference was led by U.S. District Attorney Mike Stuart.

The targets of the takedown were drug traffickers and related drug networks recently indicted by a federal grand jury in Huntington, as well as other narcotics, violent crime and firearm related targets.

Officials said the day’s actions included:

  • At least 15 individuals involved in the Peterson Drug Trafficking Organization have been charged in a federal indictment in the Southern District of West Virginia with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl;
  • 15 individuals involved in the Peterson DTO were indicted Monday in Cabell Circuit Court on state charges;
  • Additional members of the Peterson DTO were to be arrested and charged in Detroit;
  • 13 individuals involved in narcotics and/or firearms that have been charged in federal indictments in the Southern District of West Virginia; and
  • At least 48 individuals are targeted for arrest on various narcotics, violent crime, and firearms related charges at the federal or state level as determined by the circumstances of each matter.

More than 200 federal, state and local law enforcement officers took part in today’s take-down effort.  The West Virginia National Guard also provided a number of personnel in a support function to the operation.

Stuart was joined in the announcement by Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Chris Evans, Federal Bureau of Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nick Boshears, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special  Agent in Charge Stuart Lowrey, Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dave Abbate, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, Huntington Interim Police Chief Hank Dial, West Virginia State Police Captain Mike LaFauci, West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General James Hoyer, Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney Sean “Corky” Hammers, U.S. Marshal Michael Baylous, Cabell County Sheriff Chuck Zerkle, Wayne County Sheriff Rick Thompson, Marshall University Police Chief Jim Terry and AHIDTA State Director Kenny Burner.

 





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