LA PLATA, Md. (Oct. 21, 2008)—Nine people were arrested on drug-related charges in Newburg, Charles County, on Thursday, Oct. 16. An investigation was launched and a search warrant was subsequently executed on a Shiloh Church Road residence because of "open air drug trafficking" complaints received from the community, according to the Charles County Sheriff's Office.
"This has been an on-going problem for residents who live in that area," said Sheriff Rex. W. Coffey. "I simply will not tolerate drug activity anywhere in our community and these arrests demonstrate our commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe."
Members of the Charles County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Task Force, Emergency Services Team, Community Policing Unit, and K-9 Unit, along with Maryland State Police executed the search and seizure warrant.
Crack cocaine worth approximately $780, marijuana worth approximately $540, paraphernalia consistent with distribution, and a .45 semi-auto handgun were seized, according to a press release from the sheriff's office. During the execution of the warrant, police say "numerous unsuspecting drug customers" arrived at the residence and were subsequently arrested without incident.
Those arrested were charged with crimes including: distribution of crack cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of a handgun, and theft.
"This was excellent work by our detectives; their investigation and subsequent arrests really made a difference for people who live in that community. You can expect to see more operations just like this," said Coffey.
Police did not release the names of those arrested. A spokesperson for the sheriff's office told SoMd.com today that the arrests resulted in new information that "will now carry the investigation further." Police feel that releasing the names at this time may compromise their ongoing investigation.