MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for investigators as part of a months-long investigation in Martinsburg that saw six vehicles, 60 guns and a large amount of money seized in addition to fentanyl, crack and cocaine.
The Martinsburg Police Department Detective Bureau and the Department’s D.I.R.T. (Drug Intelligence Response Team) had been looking into illegal drug activity and their investigation culminated last Friday.
That’s when the Martinsburg Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT), along with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at a residence on Rock Cliff Drive in Martinsburg.
“Due to the nature of the investigation and potential safety concerns, specialized tactical teams were utilized to ensure the safe and effective execution of the warrant,” according to a press release from the MPD.
During the search, officers located and seized a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics and assets, including approximately two kilos of cocaine, one kilo of pressed fentanyl pills, approximately two ounces of crack cocaine, approximately $200,000 in cash, vehicles and the guns.
Investigators also recovered additional items commonly associated with drug trafficking operations.
As a result of the operation, three people were taken into custody and are facing charges related to the possession and distribution of illegal narcotics.
Authorities said the operation followed a months-long investigation by several police agencies.
“This case demonstrates the dedication of our detectives, our D.I.R.T. team, and our Special Response Team who work tirelessly to address the distribution of illegal drugs in our community,” Martinsburg Police Chief Erin Gibbons said. “Operations like this require patience, coordination, and strong partnerships. Our goal remains to disrupt drug activity and keep our community safe.”