Two arrested following narcotics and firearms bust

BERKELEY COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two people have been arrested following a narcotics and firearms bust in West Virginia.

According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, on August 2, 2024, at approximately 1 PM, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), apprehended two individuals involved in a narcotics-for-firearms trade.

The operation was initiated when Deputy R. Koll was contacted by the ATF to intercept a suspect, identified as John R. Zajac, who was wanted in Pennsylvania on firearms and narcotics charges and had multiple prior felony convictions.

Due to Zajac’s criminal history, the Berkeley County SWAT Team was called in for assistance.

Mr. Zajac had arranged to meet an undercover ATF agent.

When he entered the back parking area of the agreed location, the Berkeley County SWAT Team, assisted by K9 and Patrol Units, swiftly took down the vehicle.

John R. Zajac, 29, of Parkville, MD, was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute, felon in possession of a firearm, and fugitive from justice.

At the time of his arrest, Zajac was in possession of a loaded firearm.

A second suspect, Kevin L. Mangles, 30, of Dundalk, MD, who was operating the vehicle, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.

Authorities seized a loaded 9mm handgun, approximately 502 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and about 30 grams of cocaine during the operation.

Both Zajac and Mangles were transported to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment.