Newport News, Virginia — A federal jury recently convicted four men involved in a sizable marijuana trafficking operation that used a posh used car dealership as its hub. The scheme, which funneled significant amounts of cash to California in exchange for large shipments of marijuana, underscores the complexities of drug distribution networks despite changing state laws.
The four men were part of a group of 37 individuals indicted for their roles in drug trafficking that spanned from 2017 to 2023. Of those, 31 have pleaded guilty over the past two years, while the remaining defendants chose to contest the charges in court.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the drug ring was centered at Lux Auto, a dealership that operated in a compact space along Jefferson Avenue in Newport News. The investigation into Lux Auto was initiated in June 2021 after authorities received a tip about extensive drug dealing activities occurring on-site.
FBI investigators later linked the dealership to an incident involving a Hampton police officer who was shot at while responding to a parked car in August 2021, raising further red flags regarding operations at the dealership. Lux Auto was identified as a major distribution point for marijuana, connected to suppliers primarily in California.
Surveillance revealed that cannabis was often stored in vehicles on the premises, and many individuals involved were armed. Intercepted communications revealed that the operation was bringing approximately 1,000 pounds of marijuana into Virginia weekly, with more than $500,000 spent on airfare for transportation.
Factors such as the hiring of couriers played a pivotal role in the operation. These couriers would travel to California carrying suitcases filled with cash, where they would return with suitcases containing between 20 and 80 pounds of marijuana. Upon their return, they would be met at airports or taken to other locations to complete the transactions.
The FBI’s investigation encompassed various methodologies including controlled drug purchases, wiretaps, and scrutiny of over 400 bank accounts. Authorities discovered more than $22 million flowing through accounts linked to the accused and their associates throughout the inquiry, which also led to the seizure of $400,000 in cash along with approximately half a ton of marijuana and additional contraband.
Since the inception of the investigation, Lux Auto has ceased operations. In late 2023, a different dealership began leasing the location but operates under different ownership.
The federal grand jury, convened in Newport News, indicted 37 individuals between late 2023 and early 2024. Of these, 31 defendants have accepted plea agreements. Sentences for 17 individuals have already been handed down, varying from probation to a maximum of 15 years in prison.
The trial for the four men took place over 16 days and concluded with them being found guilty on multiple charges. Cortez Dayshawn Bumphus, 32; Dilquon Best, 33; Earvin Jerome Moore, 45; and Kamani Johnson, 30, all from Newport News, face sentencing in the upcoming months. Bumphus, who has a lengthy criminal history, including prior violent offenses, was convicted on multiple counts related to his involvement in drug trafficking.
Despite the legalization of small quantities of marijuana for personal use in Virginia, sales remain prohibited under state law, and marijuana is classified as illegal federally. Carrying a firearm in conjunction with marijuana possession is also a federal offense, complicating the legal landscape surrounding drug enforcement.
Another defendant’s trial is set to take place separately, while one individual, Guang Yang from China, remains at large.
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