BECKLEY, W.Va. — A multi-agency drug raid led to the arrest of nine people Friday in Raleigh County.
The Raleigh County Drug Task Force, comprised of West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department and Beckley Police, searched three residences early Friday morning.
In total, they were able to locate five firearms, 296.2 grams of heroin valued at $58,000, marijuana and about $1,000 of crystal meth. One of the firearms was stolen.
Of the nine arrested, five were from the Detroit, Michigan area. Beckley Police Chief Lonnie Christian said during a Friday press conference this is not uncommon.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in the amount of dealers who are coming in from Detroit. Our departments are unified and specifically targeting those dealers who come in from Detroit and other major metropolitan areas. We want to send a clear message that if you come to the Raleigh County area to distribute illegal narcotics, you will be caught and prosecuted.”
Arrests:
- Derek Armstrong, 39 of Detroit, Mich.: conspiracy to commit a felony, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
- Amy Clendenin, 31 of Mount Hope: conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Iasia Gray, 23 of Detroit, Mich.: conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Nicholas Hollins, 42 of Detroit, Mich.: conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Tajah Hollins, 27 of Highland Park, Mich.: conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Eddie McCrary, 29 of Shelby Township, Mich.: possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
- Brandon Veal, 22 of Mount Hope: conspiracy to commit a felony.
- John Watson Jr, 42 of Sophia: two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
“They (Detroit) are a big player in the drug chain,” said Raleigh County Sheriff Scott Van Meter. “When you have five people this morning from Detroit, Michigan there’s a problem. I think I can speak for everybody, and all of the police agencies in this county, that Detroit’s not welcome in Raleigh County.”
All individuals listed with one charge are being held on $50,000 bond and those with multiple charges are behind bars on $150,000 bond at the Southern Regional Jail.