NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk Police Department investigators recently concluded a three-month long investigation by charging 59 individuals for their roles in the distribution of narcotics. During the course of Operation Thunderstruck, 159 warrants were obtained against street level narcotics traffickers in the departments effort against the opioid epidemic. “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.”
The investigation which began in July 2018, resulted in the recovery of approximately 17.5 grams of heroin, 48 grams of cocaine, 5 grams of Fentanyl, and 200 grams of marijuana. The total street value of the narcotics recovered was over $11,000.00. Additionally, 2 cars, 2 firearms, and over $2,500 in United States Currency was seized.
Currently 15 individuals charged as a result of this investigation are fugitives. They are Deshawn L. Basnight, 37; Brandon A. Benn, 37; Aqualyn L. Brunson, 34; William D. Clark, 25; Natha M. Lane, 54; Shena L. Menser, 30; Felicia R. Morris, 32; Karen D. Morris, 52; Devontae L. Ricks, 30; Wellington W. Riddick, 24; Demetrius A. Royals, 42; Brenton L. Thatch, 29; Randy E. Wiggins, 61; Samuel E. Yancey, 39; and Quinton N. Yancey II, 27.
The Norfolk Police is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of these 15 individuals to contact the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
