NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) — Norfolk police were able to arrest six of the 15 fugitives that remained after 59 people were charged for their roles in distributing drugs in a three-month-long narcotics investigation.
The six people arrested were:
- Brandon A. Benn, 37
- Natha M. Lane, 54
- Karen D. Morris, 52
- Devontae L. Ricks, 30
- Wellington W. Riddick, 24
- Samuel E. Yancey, 39
The investigation, Operation Thunderstruck, began in July 2018 and was part of the department's effort against the opioid epidemic. Throughout the course of the investigation, 159 warrants were obtained against street-level narcotics traffickers.
"This operation should serve notice that the trafficking of illegal narcotics will not be tolerated in the City of Norfolk," said Chief Larry Boone. "The Norfolk Police Department will continue to run these type of operations and those who deal illegal narcotics on the streets of our city will be targeted and arrested."
Police were able to recover and seize 17.5 grams of heroin, 48 grams of cocaine, five grams of Fentanyl, 200 grams of marijuana, two cars, two guns, and over $2,500. The total street value of the drugs recovered was over $11,000.
Nine of the people charged as a result of Operation Thunderstruck are fugitives. They are:
- Deshawn L. Basnight, 37
- Aqualyn L. Brunson, 34
- William D. Clark, 25
- Shena L. Menser, 30
- Felicia R. Morris, 32
- Demetrius A. Royals, 42
- Brenton L. Thatch, 29
- Randy E. Wiggins, 61
- Quinton N. Yancey II, 27
PHOTOS: Nine Fugitives Remain After Norfolk Police Charge 59 in Narcotics Operation
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