Over the past several weeks, Detectives with the Lake Havasu City Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, which is part of the Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET), have been investigating a subject selling Fentanyl pills throughout the Lake Havasu City Area. 

On May 5, 2022, at approximately 6:00 a.m., detectives from the Lake Havasu City Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, which is part of the Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET), with assistance from the Lake Havasu City Police Department’s SWAT team, served a search warrant in the 100 block of Nelson Ln. in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The search of the residence revealed 100 Fentanyl pills, a handgun, drug ledgers, and several items of drug paraphernalia.

As a result of the investigation, 69-year-old Van Wyck Richardson, 43-year-old Brian White, and 41-year-old Derek Smith were arrested.

Van Wyck Richardson was charged with three counts of sales of narcotic drugs, two counts of sales of narcotic drugs on school property, possession of narcotic drugs for sale, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held on a $50,000.00 cash-only bond.

Brian White was charged with possession of narcotic drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, weapons misconduct, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held on a $50,000.00 cash-only bond.

Derek Smith was charged with possession of narcotic drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held on $5,000.00 cash-only bond.

All three subject were transferred to the custody of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.

Public Information Officer:  Sergeant Tyler Tribolet

Booking photo: Van Wyck Richardson, Brian White, Derek Smith