Raleigh County Man Arrested With Methamphetamine, Fentanyl in Vehicle

William J. Elam, a 59-year-old man from Beaver, Raleigh County, was arrested early Sunday morning after deputies found suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl in his vehicle during a welfare check. Officers responded to reports of Elam being unresponsive in his car at a gas station on Ritter Drive and confirmed he did not need medical attention before discovering drug paraphernalia. A K-9 unit detected narcotics, leading to a vehicle search that uncovered approximately 55.64 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 6.31 grams of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of around $6,700. Elam faces two counts of possession with intent to deliver controlled substances and is currently held at Southern Regional Jail with bond set at $50,000. Authorities emphasize that Elam is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. This arrest highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts in Raleigh County to combat illegal drug distribution.