Five people arrested following drug bust in Virginia

VIRGINIA — Just days before he was scheduled to report to jail to begin serving a five-year prison sentence, a Waynesboro man was arrested along with four others during a drug bust outside of Waynesboro.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and the Staunton-Augusta Regional Drug Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant Thursday, April 24, at a home on Beagle Gap Run following a months-long investigation, according to a press release.

During the operation, Beagle Gap Run was temporarily closed to through traffic for several hours.

Authorities reported seizing narcotics, cash, and multiple firearms from the residence and several vehicles on the property.

Five suspects were arrested, including Marquis A. Johnson, 29, of Waynesboro.

Johnson had previously been sentenced in March to five years in prison for possession of a Schedule I or II drug with intent to distribute.

That case stemmed from a 2024 investigation that began with an anonymous tip submitted through a local “Report a Drug Dealer” website.

A confidential informant later told police that Johnson was selling large quantities of pills from his home on 3rd Street.

A repairman discovered $77,000 in cash and a large bag of fentanyl pills hidden inside Johnson’s HVAC system. Authorities also found evidence on Johnson’s phone of over $250,000 in Cash App transactions.

Johnson had been allowed to remain free until May 2 to undergo leg surgery but was taken into custody Thursday and is now being held at Middle River Regional Jail without bond.

In addition to his existing sentence, he is now facing new charges, including fentanyl distribution (weapon of terrorism), possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II drug, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a Schedule I or II drug.

Others arrested in connection with the Beagle Gap Run investigation include:

• David Woodard, 21, of Staunton, charged with possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II drug. He was released on bond.
• Dante S. Gray, 22, of Fishersville, charged with possession of a controlled substance. He is being held without bond.
• Ja’Wayne M. Gregory, 28, of Staunton, charged with possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II drug. He is being held without bond.
• Zachary Tolliver, no age or address listed, charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II drug. He is being held without bond.