WELCH, W.Va. – A major drug bust spanning multiple West Virginia counties has resulted in the seizure of narcotics estimated to be worth $300,000.
On Friday, McDowell County’s Prosecuting Attorney Brittany Puckett alongside West Virginia State Troopers announced the outcome of “Operation Down the Road.”
Puckett says eight search warrants were executed on Feb. 13 in Mercer, McDowell and Cabell counties which resulted in the confiscation of 12 pounds of fentanyl, 2 pounds of crystal meth, 105 grams of marijuana and 19 grams of crack cocaine.
A large amount of money, two fentanyl brick presses as well as three firearms and three vehicles were also seized in the investigation.
Two men were charged as a result of the bust. Antonio Padgett was arrested and charged with nine counts of drug conspiracy. Cordero Hayes was charged with nine counts of drug conspiracy and nine counts of delivery of a controlled substance.
The lengthy investigation conducted by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force included investigators from West Virginia State Police, the McDowell, Mercer and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Offices as well as the Huntington Task Force.
Puckett says the investigation is ongoing and the arrest of additional people is expected.
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