ATF Viper task force strikes again

Ten Martinsville and Henry County residents have been indicted on federal firearms and narcotics violations.

The arrests, announced today by federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms officials and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, resulted from a task force investigation that included local law enforcement agencies.

Indicted were Louis “Duke” Watkins, 59, of Axton; Aldago Hairston, 29, Rontickous Holland, 23, Derrick Scales, 22, and Winston Williams, 30, all of Martinsville; and Demetrius Campbell, 36, Bruce Cobbs, 29, Ira Martin, 32, Jeffrey Porter, 23, and Ronrico Taylor, 32, all of Henry County.

They face charges ranging from distribution of more than 50 grams of crack cocaine to possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

The ATF-led task force, known as VIPER, targets repeat violent offenders and narcotics traffickers. The Pittslyvania County Sheriff’s Department participates in the task force.

The task force began rounding up the 10 last week. The arrests culminated at 6 a.m. today when three federal search warrants were served in Henry and Pittsylvania counties, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.