Pubdate: Mon, 16 Feb 2004
Source: Bristol Herald Courier (VA)
Copyright: 2004 Bristol Herald Courier
Contact: http://www.bristolnews.com/contact.html
Website: http://www.bristolnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1211
Author: Chris Dumond
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

AGENCIES SHARE SPOILS OF METH BUST

ABINGDON - The spoils of the Lilly Harley-Davidson methamphetamine bust 
were distributed to local and state police Friday.

Because a judge found that the motorcycle dealership was used in selling 
drugs, it was sold and the money seized by the government.

Of the $575,000 raised, $328,128 was split among the Russell and Washington 
county sheriff's offices and the Virginia State Police.

In July 2002, police were tipped off that large shipments of drugs were 
coming into the motorcycle dealership. A coalition of local, state and 
federal police raided it that summer, seizing 2 pounds of methamphetamine 
and about $35,000.

At the time, dealership owners Glenn and Lisa Lilly were arrested along 
with mechanic Tracy Callihan.

Agents then found out that the drugs were coming from Georgia and set up a 
buy in which the suppliers were arrested and another 2 pounds of 
methamphetamine seized.

According to the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the Georgia suppliers had 
ferried more than 350 pounds of methamphetamine between 2000 and 2002.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Hurt called it the biggest drug-trafficking 
operation ever seen in the area.

Hurt said Friday he was impressed with the number of agencies that worked 
together to ensure a smooth investigation.

"I hope this case serves as a testament to what local and federal law 
enforcement can do when they work together," he said.

The investigation led authorities to Los Angeles and Mexico. Hurt said he 
people responsible for funneling drugs into the Lilly Harley-Davidson 
operation have been shut down since.

Lisa and Glenn Lilly pleaded guilty last year to distributing 
methamphetamine. Glenn Lilly was sentenced to 30 months in prison, his wife 
to 37 months.

Callihan was sentenced to seven and a half years after pleading guilty to 
possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine 
and using a gun to further drug-trafficking.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom