VSP recover firearms, seize nearly $5 million in drugs during April operation

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With federal and local agencies' support, the Virginia State Police (VSP) is forcibly stopping the operations of significant criminal activity this week, seizing nearly 243 pounds of narcotics, recovering 29 firearms and investigating multiple homicide and human trafficking cases in the Commonwealth.

In a release from VSP on Friday, April 11, which reported their ongoing illegal activity crackdown for the week, VSP seized multiple narcotics and explosives and recovered numerous firearms, among others as part of the state's crackdown operation on criminality.

Notably, 242.9 pounds, along with 7,199 controlled substance pills, were seized, according to police -- ranging from 208.22 pounds of marijuana to 7,199 in fentanyl pills. As a result, they seized $4,595,882 in drugs during the operation.

VSP recovered a total of 29 firearms, valued at $17,000, while one explosive device was seized and one stolen vehicle was recovered.

The police is also investigating human trafficking circumstances, and received eight new tips. With nearly 2,700 individual investigative activities, the state police have identified or assisted 62 victims of human trafficking.

VSP is aiming to improve public safety throughout the state and, according to the release, "uphold the laws throughout the Commonwealth while supporting the Governor’s initiatives on violent crime" by disrupting any criminal activity and protecting Virginians and their communities.