RUSSELL COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Authorities in Russell County have announced a series of arrests and indictments related to drug offenses. Sheriff William J. Watson, alongside Commonwealth’s Attorney Zack Stoots, revealed the developments on Thursday.

The Russell County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) reported that a grand jury issued 137 indictments targeting 23 individuals. These charges pertain primarily to the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other controlled substances.

In addition to these indictments, four individuals were apprehended on warrants, facing a total of 17 charges, as detailed by the RCSO.

By Wednesday, 16 of the 23 people named in the indictments had been taken into custody. However, the authorities have not disclosed the identities of those involved.

The names of the people indicted and arrested were not released.

The Holston River Drug Task Force, Town of Lebanon Police Department, Virginia State Police, Bristol Virginia Police Department, Wise County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrests.