Months-long investigation leads to raid

On the move before 6 a.m. and safely across a small, unconvincingly constructed metal bridge, area drug task force officers raided a Lyndhurst home Tuesday, capping a six-month investigation.

Inside the home and detached garage owned by Robert J. Wilkinson, 50, authorities found more than two ounces each of suspected methamphetamine and cocaine, about three ounces of Mexican hallucinogen salvia divinorum and $19,000 in a safe that had to be broken open, said Sgt. Josh Sholes, of the WASSP Task Force

Authorities did not stop there, seizing 15 motorcycles, an Austin Healey sports car and one rifle. Left behind were a number of other cars (some inoperable), a boat and an airplane without an engine on Wilkinson’s property at 1790 Mount Torrey Road.

“What we took is probably what we’re going to stay with,” said Sholes, who described how Wilkinson allegedly traded drugs for motorcycles.

But more charges are possible and other suspects are being sought, said Capt. Glenn Hanger of the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said they were tipped by informants and complaints from neighbors. The drug task force and Augusta County SWAT team found Wilkinson and others at home during the search.

Authorities said the bust is their first involving salvinorin A, the active constituent in salvia divinorum, made illegal by state legislation last year. The psychoactive herb is legal in many states.

Wilkinson faces charges of cocaine and salvinorin distribution, possession of meth and marijuana and possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs.

Described as a “mid-level dealer” by authorities, he is being held at Middle River Regional Jail in Verona.