It began with a phone call and ended with eight people in jail.

West Virginia State Police say an anonymous tip helped them cut off a significant drug operation in Wood County.

The Abbey Village Apartments sit quietly along Rt. 47, hardly a crime scene three days later and in the daylight. But it was here, on Friday, State Police found 40 grams of cocaine, $12,000, and a loaded, stolen revolver.

Cpl. M.A. Mayhugh says, "No matter where you are, you never know what's going on next door."

Cpl. Mayhugh is a 12 year veteran of the State Police force, and in that time, he's arrested hundreds of criminals. Like Friday's bust, he says public tips are often the silver bullet.

Cpl. Mayhugh says, "The tip that came in at the last minute kind of was the icing on the cake. It gave us the extra information we need to move forward and complete the investigation"

Mayhugh's investigation prompted one of our own.

Do valley residents know their neighbors? We visited this popular gas station, and put folks to the test.

Scott Kelly says, "Yes, its good to know if you're out of town that you're neighbors are good people."

But it seems Scott Kelly is the exception.

Most we talked to say they're just too busy to keep acquainted.

Cpl. Mayhugh says, "It's just a good idea to keep an eye out. Anything out of the ordinary that you see whatsoever, don't hesitate to call."

A quick call, Cpl. Mayhugh believes can mean the difference between on the street and behind bars.