DEA Gives Report On $50M Eastern Shore Drug Ring

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By Tim McGlone

The Virginian-Pilot
© August 5, 2011

The Drug Enforcement Administration announced the results of a two-year investigation into a narcotics trafficking ring based on the Eastern Shore that authorities believe netted $50 million in proceeds during 15 years of operation.

The case is the DEA's first large-scale drug investigation there in 15 years, but the ring also had tentacles that reached Norfolk.

More than 30 people have been arrested on state or federal charges in the case. The government also has seized 14 properties valued at more than $1 million as well as large stashes of cash, drugs, jewelry, guns and vehicles.

The Virginian-Pilot first reported on the investigation in March 2010 when the DEA arrested one of the ringleaders. Harry Byrd West, who went by "Kojak" and ran an auto shop in Cheriton, has since pleaded guilty to a federal drug distribution charge. He was sentenced in May to 27 years in prison.

Another leader, Bryant Everett Planter of Hebron, Md., also pleaded guilty and is serving a 19-1/2-year prison term.


Authorities said Planter used proceeds from drug sales to buy homes, property and businesses up and down the Eastern Shore, including a laundromat in Melfa and a real estate company in Pocomoke City, Md. The government has seized all of that property as well as a tractor-trailer and two smaller trailers that Planter used to transport drugs.


Ring members traveled to Florida and Baltimore to get kilo quantities of cocaine and other drugs and distribute them throughout the Eastern Shore and in Norfolk.


Authorities said they are searching for more suspects already charged and may issue more indictments.


"The DEA is committed to finishing the job of eradicating the supply of drugs and drug trafficking on the Eastern Shore," said Ava A. Cooper-Davis, special agent in charge of the DEA's Washington regional division. "The citizens in these communities deserve to live without fear and intimidation inflicted by drug trafficking organizations."


A task force consisting of sheriff's departments on the Eastern Shore, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the DEA handled the case.


Source;  http://hamptonroads.com/2011/08/feds-announce-results-eastern-shore-drug-investigation