MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — Acting Police Chief Chad Rhoads said Wednesday that Martinsville police executed several narcotics-related search warrants on Tuesday.

Rhoads said search warrants were carried out simultaneously at two homes — one on Roundabout Road and another on Meadow Drive — as well as three vehicles and three individuals.

The coordinated operation followed a narcotics distribution investigation that has been underway for more than a year.

One of the targeted vehicles was stopped on Commonwealth Boulevard near Lester Street.

Officers recovered narcotics and cash and arrested two people, Rhoads said.

Those arrested were James Barbour, 33, of Martinsville, who was charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and Travis Hairston, 39, of Martinsville, who was charged with possession of schedule I or II drugs.

“Yesterday wasn’t the end of the investigation,” Rhoads told rbs news now. “We do expect more charges out of this investigation.”

Rhoads said drug distribution often fuels other crimes in the community, such as theft and violence.

“Anytime any of us can do a search warrant and take down drug dealers, that’s going to help everything,” he stated.

He encouraged residents to contact police at 276-638-8751 if they see suspected drug activity in their neighborhoods.

“That’s how a lot of these cases start,” Rhoads said. “A simple call from a neighbor can lead to an investigation and ultimately search warrants like these.”

He credited the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police with assisting in the operation.

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