Drugs, firearms, cash seized

CHESAPEAKE— Two people were arrested on drug charges Thursday in Chesapeake, following a traffic stop by Chesapeake Police Chief Randy Lewis.

Lewis stopped a vehicle, operated by Richard S. Thompson, 35, of 103 Township Road 1118, Chesapeake, while investigating a drug trafficking complaint.

The passenger in the vehicle was Billy C. Edwards, 34, of RT1 Box 467, Milton, West Virginia.

During the investigation, heroin, oxycodone tablets, methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and $6,670 in cash were seized, and Thompson and Edwards were both arrested.

Chief Lewis contacted officers from the Lawrence Drug and Major Crimes Task Force, and requested their assistance with the investigation. After interviewing Thompson, Edwards, and Thompson’s girlfriend, Brittany Wells, a search warrant was obtained for Thompson’s residence.

Officers from the Chesapeake Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and Lawrence Drug and Major Crimes Task Force executed the warrant, in which the search revealed 65 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms and $47,551 in cash.

Thompson and Edwards are each charged with three counts of trafficking in drugs, and will be arraigned in Lawrence County Municipal Court today.

The seizure of the illicit drugs, proceeds from the drug trade and firearms are a result of citizens reporting suspected drug activity to law enforcement. To report suspected drug activity, contact the Lawrence Drug and Major Crimes Task Force Hotline at 740-533-5830.