BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – A months-long investigation into drug trafficking in Bedford County led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man and the seizure of drugs and firearms valued at nearly $440,000, according to the Virginia State Police.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities say Justin Antwan Berger, 36, was arrested on August 20 at his residence in Goodview, Virginia, by the United States Marshals Service. His arrest followed a search warrant that had been executed nearly a month earlier.
The investigation began in November 2024, led by the Virginia State Police James River Regional Drug Task Force, focusing on the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine in the region. During the probe, Berger was identified as the primary supplier of the illicit substances in Bedford County.
Seizure Details from the Search
On June 26, law enforcement officers from both the Virginia State Police and the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Berger’s home in the 200 block of Byrnes Street. What they found was substantial and alarming.
As per WSET, seized items included:
- 2,041 grams of suspected cocaine
- 1,000 grams of suspected heroin
- 1,000 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 283 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- 56 grams of suspected crack cocaine
- 10 handguns
- 3 AR-15 rifles
- 1 shotgun
Authorities estimate the street value of the drugs seized to be approximately $440,000.
Charges and Incarceration
Berger is currently held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail on multiple charges, which include:
- Eluding law enforcement
- Distribution of Schedule I/II narcotics
- Firearms-related offenses
Dangers of Drug Trafficking in Rural Communities
Large-scale drug operations like this one have far-reaching impacts, especially in smaller and rural communities. The presence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is particularly alarming due to its role in the ongoing opioid overdose crisis across the United States.
The combination of high-powered firearms and large drug quantities highlights the level of threat law enforcement agencies face during such operations.
Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking in Virginia
Virginia State Police and local agencies continue to pursue drug trafficking networks aggressively. Their work involves multi-agency task forces, surveillance operations, and coordinated raids that aim to dismantle distribution channels and protect local communities.
Have concerns about drug activity in your area? Speak up. Share your views in the comments below, and let’s support efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe from the dangers of illicit drugs.
