A house in Richmond's Union Hill neighborhood has been seized by the United States due to its use as a drug-involved premises for over ten years. Court documents reveal that the property at 2221 Venable Street was used by occupants to sell and consume various drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. A mixture of fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, and xylazine, known as "tranq" or "the zombie drug," was also sold from the location.
Drug trafficking activities at the house date back to 2008. The Richmond Police Department executed four search warrants related to drug trafficking at this address—one in 2010 and three in 2022. Additionally, two overdose deaths occurred on the property in 2016 and 2020. Local residents frequently complained about criminal activities at what they referred to as "the Yellow House."
"This successful action demonstrates the positive impact of coordinated federal and state law enforcement partnerships to improve our community," stated Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
DEA Special Agent Jarod Forget noted that collaboration between DEA's Richmond District Office team and local police under Operation Overdrive – Phase 2 led to investigating drug distribution activities at this site.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards remarked on the limitations of arrests alone in solving such issues: "Investigations and charges to individuals...did not solve this problem."
The civil forfeiture process began with a complaint filed in U.S. District Court, notifying potential claimants through direct notice and online publication. With no contestation received, a default forfeiture judgment was obtained by the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Janet Jin Ah Lee and Kevin Hudson managed this case.