A Ripplemead resident, Charles Herman Aardema III, was arrested on federal charges of attempting to possess with intent to distribute dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and distributing lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), according to an announcement made on Apr. 9.
The case highlights law enforcement efforts against the importation and distribution of powerful psychedelic substances in Virginia. Authorities allege that Aardema, age 28, was involved in importing large quantities of DMT from Brazil and reshipping it across the United States.
According to a federal criminal complaint, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Miami international mail facility examined a suspicious parcel addressed to Aardema’s home in September 2021. The package contained over 11 kilograms of reddish powder later confirmed as DMT. Shipping records indicate that between November 2020 and April 2021, four additional parcels containing about 20 kilograms of DMT were intercepted en route to Aardema.
During a search of his home in October 2021, Aardema told law enforcement he ordered DMT because he was “really into tie-dying,” though no related equipment or materials were found. He admitted receiving Mimosa hostilis powder from Brazil and reshipping smaller amounts within the United States under direction from an individual named Raul Wictor Silva Batista.
While out on bond for state charges, officers with the Blacksburg Police Department conducted controlled purchases of LSD and DMT from Aardema in March and April 2025. These transactions reportedly took place on the campus of Virginia Tech.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations; Giles County Sheriff’s Office; Pearisburg Police Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Blacksburg Police Department. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and HSI Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf announced the arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Inman is prosecuting the case.
Officials note that “a criminal complaint is merely an accusation” and “the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
