DANVILLE AREA POLICE SEIZE DRUGS AND MONEY, 7 ARRESTED

CHATHAM -- Police said they have broken up a drug ring that stretched from
Mexico through the Southeastern United States. They seized a
quarter-million dollars and assorted drugs.

The Danville/Pittsylvania County Drug Task Force has arrested seven people
on drug-related charges since last week, and more arrests are expected,
Pittsylvania Sheriff Harold Plaster said.

Investigators seized $260,000 in cash, 2 1/2 pounds of methamphetamine, 1
1/2 pounds of cocaine and 50 pounds of marijuana, officials said. In
addition, officers seized two assault rifles, handguns, nine vehicles and
electronic equipment.

The drugs had a street value of more than $300,000, officials said.

Investigators said the arrests are the results of a yearlong investigation
by the Danville/Pittsylvania Narcotics Enforcement Team, which consists of
officers from the sheriff's office, police department and state police.

Law enforcement officials said the drugs were being brought into Virginia
from Mexico through North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Florida. Officers
said the Danville area was a conduit for a distribution network, with some
drugs distributed in the area and some sent outside of Virginia.

"It cuts off a pipeline to certain street dealers," Plaster said. "We know
this particular organization is a major player in the Pittsylvania/Danville
area."

The suspects will be prosecuted by the U.S. attorney's office for the
Western District of Virginia.

Contact Jamie C. Ruff at (804) 517-0997 or jruff@timesdispatch.com