Two months into 2025, and Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force wrapped up two investigations with seizures and arrests.
At the end of January, Virginia State Police, a member of the Blue Ridge task force, announced partners ended a lengthy investigation with the arrest of Howard B. Jenkins of Manassas.
According to VSP, Culpeper Sheriff’s office and other task force officers stopped a Chevy Tahoe on Route 3 near Yellow Bottom Road in Culpeper for not having a license plate. The driver 43-year-old Jenkins, tried to run but was quickly caught. Officers 400 grams of cocaine in the vehicle with a street value of $40,000, along with 19.2 grams of fentanyl that had a street value of $1,900 and $980, VSP reported.
Jenkins was charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II narcotics plus a misdemeanor charge for fleeing from law enforcement, and a traffic offense for failing to display a license plate.
This week, VSP reported that the task force wrapped up a month-long investigation in Orange with two arrests after serving a search warrant on the 13000 block of Kendall Road. Authorities found 600 grams of cocaine with a street value of $60,000, reported VSP, as well as 121 grams of marijuana with street value of $3,000, and three firearms valued at $1,500. VSP said the task force also seized $32,920 in cash.
As a result, they arrested two Orange County residents.
Rion J. Ward, 47, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II narcotics (3rd offense), possession of a firearm while in possession of schedule I/II narcotics, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Zakiyya D. Ward, 42, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II narcotics and possession of a firearm while in possession of schedule I/II narcotics.
WATCH: Virginia Lawmakers Unanimous on Limits for Shackling Children
Follow the Watchful Eye on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram , Rumble & YouTube to keep up with what’s happening in Virginia
