ORANGE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Following a month-long investigation by the Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force, Rion J. Ward and Zakiyya D. Ward, both of Orange, now face multiple counts of drug and firearms charges.

Rion J. Ward, 47, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II narcotics (3rd offense), possession of a firearm while in possession of schedule I/II narcotics, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Zakiyya D. Ward, 42, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II narcotics and possession of a firearm while in possession of schedule I/II narcotics.

On Friday (Feb. 21), officers executed a search warrant on the 13000 block of Kendall Road in Orange County. As a result of the operation, 600 grams of cocaine (street value of $60,000), 121 grams of marijuana (street value of $3,000), three firearms (value of $1,500), and $32,920 in U.S. currency were seized.

Both Rion and Zakiyya Ward were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Central Virginia Regional Jail, where they are being held without bond.

The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force (BRNGTF) is composed of law enforcement personnel from the Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison, and Rappahannock Sheriff’s Offices, Culpeper, Warrenton, Orange Police Departments, and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Culpeper Field Office.