Drug raid leads to six arrests, witnesses talk about ordeal - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

A three-day rave ends with a big drug bust in Culpeper. But those who were there said the steps authorities took were unnecessary.

The Culpeper Sheriff's Office and a narcotics task force raided Camp Glow after complaints about loud music.

Authorities raided tents and confiscated drugs. Witnesses said the authorities blew it out of proportion.

In a YouTube video, Camp Glow illuminated southern Culpeper last weekend.

The Somerville Road farm served as a backdrop for the music festival that drew hundreds, including some from as far away as Maryland and New York.

The rave also piqued the interest of authorities after it got too loud. A raid followed, netting six arrests and a variety of illegal drugs.

"There were drugs, I didn't have any drugs," said Stephen Blanton, who attended the rave.

"It was just unnecessary, they were acting as if we were gun-toting gang bangers," said Orry Watts, who's the son of the property owner.

A search warrant states an undercover officer got wind of possible underage drinking and illegal drug use.

After paying $35 to get past the gate, he smelled marijuana, saw people smoking from drug paraphernalia and was even offered to buy LSD.

Police raided the farm. After searching hundreds of tents, they seized nearly two pounds of pot, almost 300 pills, crystal meth, mushrooms, LSD and $2500 in cash.

"It appears people brought their own drugs to the party for recreational use and, unfortunately, to sell as well," said Lt. Jason Romero.

Watts lives on the property with Blanton. They said the authorities went too far even after they cooperated and turned down the music.

"There was guns in people's faces they were kicking people in the head," said Watts.

Witnesses said when the cops came in, they just started dragging people out by their ankles.

Blanton and Watts said they didn't throw the rave but rented the property to a Richmond-based entertainment company for a fundraiser for autism.

"What it was just a bunch of people out there having fun listening to music," said Watts.

Blanton said they plan to get a lawyer.

More arrests are expected. Culpeper authorities also said permits were required and are looking into whether event organizers had them.

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