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Guns, $71K+ in illegal drugs seized during multi-agency investigation

Chris Graham
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A multi-agency narcotics investigation has resulted in the arrests of three area men on multiple firearms and drug charges. All three are being held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

David Travis Lowery 30, of Waynesboro, was taken into custody and charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II methamphetamine and possession of greater than 100 grams of Schedule II methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Stephen Edward Lackey, 30, of Staunton, was charged with possession of greater than 100 grams of Schedule II methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Tyler Ruppel, 31, of Waynesboro, was charged with possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II narcotic, possession of greater than 100 grams of Schedule II methamphetamine with intent to distribute and simultaneous possession of a firearm while in possession of a Schedule II drug.

Among the narcotics seized during the course of the investigation were approximately 1.5 lbs. of methamphetamine (with an estimated value of $66,800); 23 grams of psilocybin mushrooms (with an estimated value of $1,380); 100 grams of marijuana (with an estimated street value of $2,000); 3.5 grams of heroin (with an estimated street value of $875).

The investigation remains ongoing at this time by the Skyline Drug and Gang Task Force, Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement Task Force, Waynesboro Police Special Operations Unit, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Virginia State Police, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and Staunton Police Department also assisted with the operation.

The Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement Task Force is a regional narcotics task force made up of officers from the Albemarle County Police Department, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virginia State Police.

The Skyline Drug and Gang Enforcement Task Force is made up of officers from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, City of Staunton Police Department and the Virginia State Police.

 

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].