ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) — Ten people were arrested after their involvement in an alleged drug ring that distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine in Southwest Virginia, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia announced the following individuals face federal charges after conspiring to distribute large amounts of meth and fentanyl in Southwest Virginia:
- Matthew Ryan “Red” Addington, of Pound
- Ashley Linden Beverly Jr., of Pound
- Brandon Gene Boggs, of Pound
- Eric Lee Coffey, of Norton
- James Eugene Gamble, of Wise
- Thomas Ray Houston Jr., of Blountville
- Keith Edward Payne Jr., of Wise
- Brittany Chantae Rose, of Pound
- Cody Allan Rose, of Pound
- Andora Lee Smith, of Pound and Mayking, Kentucky
Between 2021 and 2024, authorities in Wise County investigated the widespread distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
An investigation determined the members of the drug ring traveled to supply sources in North Carolina and Kentucky to obtain multiple pounds of fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder and methamphetamine, according to court documents.
The members then brought the drugs back to Southwest Virginia for distribution.
The following law enforcement agencies investigated the case:
- Bureau of Alchohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Wise County Sheriff’s Office
- Southwest Drug Task Force
- Consists of the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Norton Police Department, Big Stone Gap Police Department, Virginia State Police
- Clintwood Police Department
- Pennington Gap Police Department
- Lee County Sheriff’s Office
- Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office
- Kentucky State Police
- Winchester, Kentucky Police Department
- Fleming-Neon Police Department
- United States Marshals Service
