Five people were arrested and warrants for four others have been issued for narcotics trafficking in Alexandria.

Alexandria police began investigating narcotics trafficking on the citys south side in February. That initial work led to the successful prosecution of five people on charges of distributing cocaine and the seizure of over a kilogram of powder cocaine. In May, Alexandria Commonwealths Attorney S. Randolph Sengel asked that a special grand jury be empaneled to continue the investigation. In October, that grand jury indicted nine additional people. Last weekends arrests were the result of those indictments.

Daniel Davis, Jr., 59, of Alexandria, was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, keeping a residence for the purpose of using or selling narcotics, and perjury in a special grand jury hearing. Valice Harris, 49, also of Alexandria, was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and keeping a residence for the purpose of using or selling narcotics. Alexandria resident Tony Mann, 46, was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Another city resident, Henry McEntyre, 57, was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and keeping a residence for the purpose of using or selling narcotics. Robert Chew, 23, from Prince Georges County, was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and three counts of distribution of cocaine, 3rd or subsequent offense.

The special grand jury is an effective means of assembling evidence in cases such as these. It enables us to bring in witnesses under subpoena, get their testimony on record and build a case, said Sengel. In this instance, thus far this grand jury has met six times and heard from about 20 witnesses.

Assistant Commonwealths attorneys Bryan Porter and Elliott Casey handled the grand jury proceedings and will prosecute the cases.