GRANTSVILLE, W.Va. — Calhoun County deputies report six arrests for drug trafficking charges following an eight-month drug investigation in central West Virginia.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office called the investigation “Operation April Fools,” as charges against the offenders were filed April 1.
Calhoun County Sheriff Graham Knight said he worked with Chief Deputy Charles Stevens, the Wirt County Sheriff’s Department, and the Grantsville detachment of the West Virginia State Police.
Knight released a statement about the arrests.
“As sheriff, I have been elected to protect the safety and well-being of this county’s residents and my team and I will not tolerate those among us who prey upon those with substance use disorders. Let these arrests be a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable under the laws of our state.”
Seven people face charges of illegal drug possession with intent to distribute, six have already been arrested.
Police have arrested Richard Earl “Dickey” Conley, 67, of Mount Zion; David Glen Jones, 58, of Annamoriah; Kevin Eugene Tanner, 38, of Big Bend; Melissa Jean Shrader, 45, of Creston; Jason Michael Stevens, 46, of Big Springs; and Lloyd Dwayne Drake, 58, of Big Bend.
Conley is also facing charges for an illegal possession of a firearm.
Donald Lee Drake, 54, of Big Bend will be charged upon his arrest.