CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A major takedown of drug traffickers has resulted in the dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing pounds of methamphetamine from San Diego, California to West Virginia.
Over 200 law enforcement officers from multiple states, including the FBI, ATF, USPIS, USMS, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, Beckley Police Department, and West Virginia State Police, were involved in the operation, dubbed “Operation Shutdown Corner.”
According to the investigation, a stream of packages containing pounds of methamphetamine were being shipped from the San Diego, California area and being received in the Southern District of West Virginia using common carriers, such as the United States Postal Service and the United Parcel Service (UPS). Several packages were intercepted by law enforcement, and using law enforcement tools, the full nature and scope of the DTO was revealed.
The operation resulted in two indictments charging 17 individuals in the DTO alleged to have distributed methamphetamine and heroin. The indictments and subsequent arrests are the result of a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the United States Marshals Service, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.
“Today’s coordinated takedown as part of Operation Shutdown Corner is a significant achievement in our continued effort to rid West Virginia of the drug traffickers, drug dealers and poison peddlers that have caused so much pain and despair among our people,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
“Disrupting drug trafficking organizations like this one is a critical part of the FBI’s mission. The heroin, meth and guns seized are dangerous and can lead to dangerous consequences,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones.
The investigation is ongoing and could result in additional federal and state charges in the future.
Related Federal Cases
- Parkersburg Man Busted for Massive Meth and Weed Heist · West Virginia
- West Virginia Man Indicted on Meth and Cocaine Charges · California
- Tabatabai Clan Busted in Coast-to-Coast Drug Ring · West Virginia
- Bradsher & Duran Plead Guilty to Meth Charges in Huntington · West Virginia
- Acadia Healthcare Busted in $17M Medicaid Fraud Scheme · Tennessee
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
