OCPD OBTAINS 20 GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS FOR 20 SUSPECTS

In December 2010, Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit members conducted an investigation into to the illegal distribution of drugs primarily on the south end of Ocean City.

Narcotics detectives worked in conjunction with OCPD patrol officers who had been aggressively enforcing illegal drug activity in this area for several months. Because of the initial information obtained by patrol officers, narcotics detectives made numerous contacts with area residents, which led them to persons believed to be selling drugs. Undercover detectives were able to make several undercover purchases of illegal drugs from various dealers.

Over the last eight months detectives made almost 40 hand-to-hand drug deals in Ocean City and the surrounding area, from 20 different suspects. The drugs purchased were: crack, powder cocaine, heroin, PCP, marijuana, Ecstasy, Oxycodone, Buprenorphine, Suboxone patches, and Clonazepam.

On August 23 of this year, as a result of this investigation, OCPD narcotics detectives obtained grand jury indictments for 20 suspects. There were 62 criminal charges in this case. The charges included CDS Distribution, Conspiracy to Distribute CDS, Possession of CDS, and Distribution of CDS in a Drug Free School Zone.

Beginning August 31 OCPD Narcotics and General Assignment detectives as well as Worcester County Sheriff’s Criminal Enforcement Team (CET) began arresting the indicted suspects. A total of 19 arrests were made during the operation. OCPD expects to have the remaining person in custody shortly.

The Circuit Court preset bonds on the indicted suspects ranged from $25,000 - $200,000.