Alleghany Highlands task force begins arrests of 73 indicted in drug cases

Alleghany Highlands Drug Task Force on Monday began rounding up more than 70 people indicted earlier this month on drug charges, Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall said.

The drug investigation began about a year ago and involved cocaine, crack, marijuana, methamphetamine and prescription medicines, Hall said. Earlier this month, the case went before a special grand jury, which indicted 73 people on a total of nearly 250 charges, Hall said.

Many of the suspects were arrested on charges of possessing drugs with the intention to distribute them, Lt. Col. Matt Bowser said.

"These aren't simple drug users," Bowser said.

Officers began the roundup Monday, Hall said.

The Alleghany Highlands Drug Task Force includes officers from the Alleghany, Bath and Highland counties sheriff's offices as well as Virginia State Police troopers.