A Damascus resident is facing serious drug charges following a traffic stop and an extensive two-month investigation led by law enforcement in Washington County, Virginia.

Authorities from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office revealed in a press release that during a traffic stop on Sunday, they uncovered approximately one pound of methamphetamine, one ounce of crack cocaine, and $500 in cash. The driver, identified as 56-year-old James C. Hutton, has been charged with several offenses.

• Manufacturing, Selling, Giving, Distributing, or Possessing with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Give, or Distribute Methamphetamine
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance
• Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Control Act
• Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of Certain Controlled Substances
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance

Following Hutton’s arrest, he was taken to the Southwest Regional Jail, where he remains without bail. Subsequently, officers executed a search warrant at Hutton’s residence on Klondyke Road in Damascus. The search yielded around 250 grams of methamphetamine, a collection of firearms including two shotguns, two rifles, two pistols, and nearly $6,000 in cash.

This arrest marks a significant development in a collaborative investigation by the Washington County and Smyth County Sheriff’s Offices, aiming to dismantle drug trafficking operations within the area.