The Wheeling Police Department conducted a special enforcement operation earlier this month that resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of multiple controlled substances.

The operation was conducted Jan. 16–18 and focused on combating drug activity within public housing complexes. The initiative was organized after the department received several online complaints from residents regarding suspected drug activity at the Booker T. Apartments.

Plainclothes officers conducted surveillance and traffic enforcement during the operation, which led to the execution of two residential search warrants. As a result, officers arrested seven individuals and seized narcotics and other controlled substances.

Those arrested were:

• Michael Anthony Works, 40, of Wheeling, charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs.
• Alexander Thomas Lichwa, 33, of Wheeling, charged with possession of methamphetamine.
• Alex Jeremiah Davis, 34, of Wheeling, charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute drugs.
• Wilma June Riffle, 53, of Wheeling, charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs.
• Niki Brianna Bradley, 46, of Wheeling, charged with possession with intent to deliver buprenorphine and conspiracy to distribute drugs.
• Donald Steven Richardson, 52, of Wheeling, charged with maintaining a drug premise.
• Bryanna Denae Shepherd, 37, of Wheeling, charged as a fugitive from justice from Belmont County, Ohio, and on a petit larceny warrant from Ohio County, WV.

During the operation, officers seized approximately 126 grams of methamphetamine, 10 grams of suspected heroin, 43 dosage units of buprenorphine and 16 dosage units of alprazolam.

The Wheeling Police Department thanks city residents for reporting suspicious activity and expresses appreciation to the Wheeling Housing Authority for its assistance and cooperation during the operation.