Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Man Arrested, Drugs and Firearms Seized in Joint Narcotics Operation


April 19, 2016

As part of a regional multi-agency narcotics operation yesterday, one arrest has been made and drugs and firearms were seized following the execution of two search warrants in Richmond.

Richmond and Chesterfield police officers, who serve on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Task Force, began this investigation more than three months ago. It culminated Monday evening with the arrest of Elbrendel A. Edwards. He was in possession of a firearm an half a kilogram of heroin at the time of his arrest. Two additional firearms were also located and seized.

Law enforcement officials are confident Edwards will be linked to several fatal heroin overdoses in the Richmond metropolitan area. He is expected to appear in federal court this afternoon to be charged with a drug-related offense.

The joint operation was conducted by the Richmond Police Narcotics Division along with the Chesterfield County Police Narcotics Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Task Force in Richmond, which includes members of the FBI, Virginia State Police, Chesterfield County Police, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Henrico Police and Richmond Police.
A national trend of spiking heroin and prescription drug overdoses has prompted Richmond Police and other regional agencies to partner together to identify and eradicate heroin distributors from local communities in order to protect citizens from this spreading hazard to public safety.
To holistically address the overdose epidemic, law enforcement throughout the Commonwealth will be conducting a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Effort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 30.  A local drop-off point will be located at the Southside Community Service Center, 4100 Hull Street Road. To find a Drug Take-Back location near you, visit, www.dea.gov.