US Attorney's Office News June 28, 2006
usdoj.gov
US Attorney's Office News
June 28, 2006
MAJOR METHAMPHETAMINE AND COCAINE DISTRIBUTION RING SWEEP MORE THAN 150 PEOPLE CHARGED
United States Attorney John L. Brownlee and Shawn A. Johnson, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration announced today that a major methamphetamine and cocaine distribution ring in Carroll and Grayson Counties has been disrupted, and more than 150 people have been arrested or indicted on state and federal drug charges.
“This investigation has taken more than a hundred drug dealers off our streets. These are individuals who have distributed hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine in our communities, without regard for the damage resulting from their actions,” said United States Attorney John L. Brownlee. “The cooperation and the dedication of the officers and agents who have worked tirelessly on this case has resulted in one of the most effective community wide drug sweeps in recent history.”
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies started this investigation in the Carroll and Grayson County areas more than two years ago when investigators observed a large influx of drugs into the area. Investigators discovered that a loose-knit organization was bringing hundreds of pounds of meth, worth millions of dollars into the area. The conspiracy spanned several states, and its members imported and resold methamphetamine and cocaine that originated in Mexico.
More than 50 pounds of methamphetamine, worth approximately $2,240,000, nearly 4 kilos of cocaine, worth approximately $89,600.00, more than 10 pounds of marijuana, worth $20,000, and 200 firearms have all been seized as a result of this investigation. Federal charges have been placed against nearly 50 defendants, and state charges against approximately 100 residents.
Among those charged are Martin Sandoval Garcia, age 43, of Mexico. Garcia is charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and distribution of 50 grams of pure meth. Garcia distributed imported Mexican methamphetamine to more than 20 other mid and low level dealers, who then resold it within the community. These lower level dealers have also been charged.
James Swain, age 55, of Galax, Virginia has been convicted in federal court of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in connection with this conspiracy. Swain was a major methamphetamine and cocaine dealer. Investigators uncovered 20 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of cocaine powder when they arrested him and searched his property. This meth seizure was one of the largest in the area in recent history. Swain will forfeit over a million dollars worth of real estate, construction equipment, cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Swain is scheduled to be sentenced July 11th.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, the Galax Police Department, the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsville Police Department, the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford is prosecuting the cases. |
