More than $250,000 worth of narcotics were seized after a major drug raid in Lynchburg

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A man was arrested and more than $250,000 worth of narcotics were seized in a major drug bust in Lynchburg.

The Lynchburg Police Department's Special Investigations Division (SID) said it investigated a major drug trafficker during 2024. The SID located the suspect traveling back and forth to the Commonwealth between July 12 and 13 and worked with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office to initiate a drug interdiction operation against the suspect, identified as John Coleman III.

LPD stated that as a result of this stop they secured the following:

• A semi-automatic pistol

• Around 9,300 in cash

• About 23 pounds of marijuana

Coleman was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm while in possession of at least 1 pound of marijuana. He was released on bail shortly afterwards on these charges.

On Sept. 30, SID said it worked with PCSO to re-interdict Coleman after he traveled out and back into Virginia. As a result, 25 pounds of marijuana was seized and Coleman was again charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana without bail.

Authorities said they then executed a search warrant at Coleman's apartment on Grayson Street in Lynchburg with the help of the LPD Tactical Unit, Drone Unit, CNT, Forensics Unit and FOB.

As a result of the search warrant, the following items were seized:

• About 100 pounds of marijuana

• Approximately 75 pounds of THC edibles

• Approximately 1,000 pressed fentanyl tablets

• 44,517 US dollars in US currency

• About 3 pounds of powder cocaine

• Approximately 1/4 ounce of suspected fentanyl powder

• About 3.5 grams of crack cocaine

• A .357 revolver

• About 100 different pills (for analysis)

The narcotics alone had an estimated street value of $250,000. Numerous other charges are pending, including drug trafficking and firearms charges.

LPD thanked the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office and the Bedford County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in this operation.