Operation Street Sweeper X Underway in Southwest Virginia

Operation Street Sweeper X is underway in Southwest Virginia today. Law enforcement officers are looking for 63 people indicted on drug charges.

The indictments come after an extensive investigation by the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Big Stone Gap Police Department, Coeburn Police Department, City of Norton Police Department, Town of Wise Police Department, St. Paul Police Department, the Virginia State Police, and the Southwest Virginia Narcotics Task Force. The indictments are for drug related offenses. Most are for the distribution of prescription drugs, particularly products containing hydrocodone.

This is the tenth Operation Street Sweeper investigation. Since April 2006, officers have rounded up over 400 individuals.

The Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office says the illegal use of prescription drugs is the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in Wise County and the City of Norton.