Winchester Police and federal agents are looking for 20 suspects today as part of a two-year-long investigation into gun and drug trafficking.
According to a press release, city officers and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have been cooperating on an investigation that targets suspected drug dealers from the street level to upper levels. So far, 19 firearms and approximately $50,000 in drugs have been confiscated.
Agents and officers were still searching for suspects Wednesday afternoon. Winchester Police Capt. James Hall said he could not answer questions today, but more information would be available Thursday morning.
At least one U.S. Marshal is assisting the other agents and officers.
In the release, Winchester Police Chief Kevin Palmer said the sweep will show some of his officers' hard work.
"It has bothered me that it may be perceived that we were not truly impacting the drug trade," he said. "As law enforcement, we understand the clandestine nature of this type of project but as this city's chief, I want citizens to feel confident that we are working hard for the community."
Some of the charges carry a minimum five-year prison term while others carry a minimum of 10 years upon conviction, according to the release.
Check winchestersun.com or Thursday's Sun for more information.
