ROANOKE, Va. – The Virginia State Police, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Roanoke Police Department, conducted a narcotics operation in Roanoke on February 11, 2025, according to authorities. This operation was part of a multi-year investigation by the Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force into a large-scale drug trafficker in the area, officials said.
During the operation, federal search warrants were executed in two locations in Roanoke, coinciding with the arrival of a narcotics courier from California. The courier was observed by Star City Task Force members carrying two duffle bags into a residence just before the search warrants were executed, authorities reported. Special agents and officers seized approximately 8 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 2 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, according to the Virginia State Police.
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Two individuals were arrested: Wendell Antonio Johnson, 53, and John Bauer Glass, 55, both from Roanoke. They were charged federally with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, authorities said.
Both are currently held at the Roanoke Adult Detention Center without bond on a federal detainer, according to the Virginia State Police. Additional charges will be forthcoming after consultation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, officials stated.
The Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force includes investigative personnel from the Virginia State Police, City of Roanoke Police Department, Salem Police Department, Roanoke County Police Department, and Vinton Police Department, authorities noted.
