Crime & Safety
Berkeley County, WV Drug Bust: Fentanyl, Cocaine Seized on I-81
Falling Waters, WV – Two Maryland residents are facing multiple felony drug charges after a coordinated law enforcement operation on Interstate 81 in Berkeley County led to the seizure of suspected fe
By Blake Harrison · 2026-10-20T13:51:19.417Z
Falling Waters, WV – Two Maryland residents are facing multiple felony drug charges after a coordinated law enforcement operation on Interstate 81 in Berkeley County led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl and cocaine base, authorities announced.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff 's Office, deputies assisted the Martinsburg Police Department on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, during an operation connected to an ongoing drug investigation near Falling Waters, West Virginia.
The operation involved a planned vehicle stop on I 81 designed to prevent a dangerous high speed pursuit.
Authorities said Sgt. Ritchie initially stopped the suspect vehicle, but the driver allegedly attempted to flee. Cpl. Heagy and Deputy Hooper quickly positioned their patrol vehicles to execute a rolling roadblock, stopping the vehicle before a pursuit could develop.
Deputies subsequently conducted a felony traffic stop and arrested the driver, identified as Tyrik Williams, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, and passenger Jade Bowins, 29, of Hagerstown, Maryland.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered approximately 19.6 grams of suspected fentanyl and 7.9 grams of suspected cocaine base . Investigators also recovered an undisclosed amount of currency from Williams.
Both suspects face charges involving alleged drug delivery, possession with intent to distribute, transporting fentanyl into West Virginia with intent to deliver and conspiracy.
Williams was incarcerated at Eastern Regional Jail on a $250,000 property or surety bond. Bowins was held at the same facility on a $75,000 property or surety bond.
Berkeley County Sheriff Robert A. "Rob" Blair praised the coordination between agencies, saying the operation demonstrated the importance of communication, planning and teamwork in preventing dangerous pursuits.
The sheriff's office said it will continue working with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to combat illegal drug distribution throughout Berkeley County.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.