A collective effort of law enforcement officers has resulted in the arrest of ten individuals in Buckingham County and four in Cumberland.

According to a press release issued by Buckingham County Sheriff William G. Kidd, Jr., officers from the Buckingham and Cumberland sheriff's offices assisted by agents and troopers with the Virginia State Police combined forces on Wednesday, May 4, to conclude an investigation that has been on going since mid-December 2010. The investigation, noted Kidd, was originally initiated by his office.

Ten individuals were arrested in Buckingham County and four in Cumberland County, with three individuals still being sought, reported the release.

Providing a breakdown of charges, the release indicates 27 charges of possession with intent to distribute schedule I, II, or III controlled substances; seven charges of distribute controlled substance on or near school property; five charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; one charge of possession of cocaine; five charges of possession of firearm with schedule I, II, controlled substance; one charge of breaking and entering, one charge of destruction of property; and two charges of child neglect/abuse.

The release reported that the drugs involved were prescription pills, marijuana, powdered and crack cocaine, and heroin.

“Along with the arrests, officers seized five vehicles, five firearms, and approximately $700 in U. S. currency,” cited the release.

Sheriff Kidd stated, “This is what can happen when adjoining jurisdictions combine resources and work together toward common goals.” He continued, “The Buckingham Sheriff's Office enjoys a close working relationship with the Cumberland Sheriff's Office and with the Virginia State Police.” He added, “I applaud everyone's efforts in this endeavor.”

Kidd shared, “We are working toward a Joint Drug/Gang Task Force with Buckingham, Cumberland, Prince Edward, and the Town of Farmville.” He continued, “I would certainly like to see this project get off the ground. There is so much we could accomplish.”

In the press release, Sheriff Kidd and Cumberland County Sheriff Darrell Hodges offered the following message, “If you are in the line of work of distributing controlled substances in our jurisdictions, we are actively trying to put you out of business.”

They concluded, “A special hats-off to the investigators from Buckingham Cumberland, and the State Police who put in long hours and hard work to put these cases together; and, thanks to all that participated in the raids.”