The Tazewell County Regional Drug and Violent Crimes task force has officially concluded Operation Phoenix Rising, a complex two-month enforcement initiative targeting the supply and distribution of illicit narcotics and illegal firearms throughout the region.
“The operation focused on dismantling high-level distribution networks and removing dangerous drugs and weapons from local neighborhoods,” Sheriff Brian Hieatt said during a press conference Monday in the Tazewell County Courthouse. “The targeted enforcement efforts resulted in multiple arrests and significant financial and material seizures from illicit operations.”
Those named in Operation Phoenix Rising include Duane Dale, Terrance Chatman, Tiona Rowe, Jerontae Hunter and Tristen Carner.
Hieatt said the officers had seized: 11.6 pounds (5,214 grams) of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $239,845.84; 6.67 ounces (186.7 grams) of cocaine with an estimated street value of $17,363; and nearly 6 ounces of fentanyl (156.2 grams) with an estimated street value of $14,523.
Also seized were quantities of pharmaceutical narcotics such as oxycodone, Suboxone and gabapentin; 13 guns, including 6 rifles, two sawed-off shotguns, one full-sized shotgun, and four handguns; and $35,376 in U.S. currency and two vehicles.
Hieatt said in addition to working with each police department in Tazewell County, the task force also works with several federal agencies. He said the new task force will have a revolving commandant and this year he is serving in the position.
“The officers have put a lot of time and dedication into these arrests,” Hieatt said.
While showing pictures of those arrested in the operation he said there are more to come.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Plaster said the arrests were the product of months of work.
“We want those who would bring this to our community this is what they can expect,” Plaster said. “The task force has a common goal and it is good to see that goal accomplished.”
Plaster said the officers had spent hundreds of hours following leads and focusing on those distributing the illegal drugs.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” he said.
Plaster said just the amount of fentanyl that was seized was enough to kill everyone in the courthouse.
He said the operation had not focused on those who were making a bad decision and using drugs, but on those who “view addicts as a business opportunity. There is a difference in the people who suffer from addiction and those who prosper from it.”
Plaster called the drug traffickers “rats” who only care about themselves. He said they know the mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters that have been buried because of their actions but they continue to sell.
Both Plaster and Hieatt stressed that the investigation is not over.
“If your goal is to make money trafficking drugs don’t let it be in Tazewell County,” Plaster said. “When we identify you we will get you off our streets.”
