BRIDGEPORT, WV.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials today announced the arrest of 87 people for allegedly being involved in drug trafficking in West Virginia, officials said.
Forty of the 87 are facing federal charges, while forty-seven face state charges. A total of 78 people were arrested today. Nine individuals were already incarcerated on separate charges prior to today’s arrest operation, according to authorities.
Ten teams of officers and agents spread out across north central West Virginia to execute the warrants for charges including the possession and distribution of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, officials said.
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Forty of the 87 are facing federal charges, while forty-seven face state charges. A total of 78 people were arrested today. Nine individuals were already incarcerated on separate charges prior to today’s arrest operation.
“Today’s arrests are the result of a coordinated effort of law enforcement partners, working together to help make Harrison County and the surrounding region safer for everyone,” said U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “We will continue to work side-by-side side to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who are involved in drug trafficking, and particularly those who sell heroin.”
Agencies involved in today’s arrest operation included the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force, the Mon-Metro Drug Task Force, the Three Rivers Drug Task Force, the Stonewood Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the IRS and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.