🌱 PPD Zeroes In On Drug Trafficking + Big H.O.M.I.E.S Recognized

Hello there, Portsmouth! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: Breezy in the morning. High: 67 Low: 41.
• Sunday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 63 Low: 40.
• Monday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 70 Low: 53.
• Tuesday: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 74 Low: 42.

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Here are the top three stories in Portsmouth today:

1. The Portsmouth Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, executed a series of warrants on a house that had been used as a base for a drug trafficking organization. After observing illegal activity at the location over the last two months, authorities conducted several search and arrest warrants at the property on Feb. 23, resulting in the arrests of seven men who are facing drug distribution charges. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the PPD Special Investigation Unit at 757-393-8536 or submit an anonymous tip online. (WAVY.com)
2. The Virginia General Assembly recognized Big H.O.M.I.E.S., a Portsmouth-based community outreach program, for its efforts in ending youth gun violence. On President's Day (Monday, Feb. 20), Del. Don Scott and State Sen. Louise Lucas introduced the program and encouraged a round of applause for the children's contributions to safety. Big H.O.M.I.E.S. members also had the opportunity to speak with several delegates, including those who provided funding for the group, during their trip to Richmond. (WAVY.com)
3. Vincent McClean, a former Portsmouth police officer, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the 2018 shooting death of Willie Marable. The indictment comes nearly five years after the incident occurred on Navajo Trail, where officers responded to an armed home invasion call. Police reported that Marable, a suspect in the incident, did not listen to police commands and was fatally shot. (News 3 WTKR Norfolk)

Coming up in Portsmouth:

Saturday, March 4

• Olde Towne Antique & Flea Market At Portsmouth Olde Town Historic District (10:00 AM)

Sunday, March 5

• Chris Brydge Jazz Series At Gosport At Portsmouth Olde Town Historic District (6:00 PM)

Monday, March 6

• AARP Tax Prep At Portsmouth Public Library - Churchland Branch (10:00 AM)

Tuesday, March 7

• Tech Tuesday (Adults) At Portsmouth Public Library - Main Library (10:00 AM)

Wednesday, March 8

• Yoga At Portsmouth Public Libary - Main Library (11:30 AM)

Thursday, March 9

• R&B Thursday At Notorious Lounge (5:00 PM)

Friday, March 10

• CK Music At Harbor Trail Brewing Company (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for your new best friend? Meet George the German Shepherd/Labrador mix, Phil the lop-eared rabbit, and all the other pets awaiting their fur-ever homes at Portsmouth area shelters. (Portsmouth Patch)
• Congratulations to Portsmouth-based organization Mercy Chefs, which was awarded a Land Rover to further its service in the community! The generous contribution came from a Virginia Beach dealership that donated the car as a Community Service Award. (13newsnow.com WVEC)
• According to recent data from the Virginia Lottery, Old Dominion residents bet upwards of $513 million on sports in January of 2023. (Virginia Business Magazine)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all next week for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.