The Ocean City Police Department’s narcotics unit recently concluded a nearly two-year undercover investigation with the criminal indictments of 34 individuals. The indictments, which included 91 charges of distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and 28 charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, resulted in preset bonds totaling $4,555,000.
During the investigation, an Ocean City Police detective acting in a covert capacity started a legitimate taxicab company during which the detective acted as the owner/operator. The cab company, the “Tipsy Taxi,” had an actual official Town of Ocean City cab license and ran legitimate fares, in addition to the undercover operation.
On February 2, 2012, the Ocean City Police Department, along with the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, began apprehending the indicted suspects. During the course of three days, the law enforcement teams apprehended 22 of 34 individuals. In addition to those apprehended, four of the suspects were already incarcerated on unrelated charges. The arrest warrants for the remaining wanted individuals who are no longer living in the Ocean City area will be turned over to the Maryland State Apprehension Team (MSAT).
“I commend our narcotics unit for their investigative initiative,” said Chief Bernadette A. DiPino. “I also want to commend the undercover detective involved in this operation. The self sacrifice and dedication to this lengthy investigation demonstrated incredible commitment and reflects great credit upon them and all of the law enforcement officers involved.”
During the operation, the Ocean City Police Department seized two vehicles, a stolen firearm and $985 in cash. “This operation would not have been possible without our partners at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Worcester County State’s Attorney,” Chief DiPino said. “Sheriff Mason, State’s Attorney Oglesby and members of their agencies, have helped in not only keeping drugs off the streets of Ocean City, but Worcester County as a whole and continue to make our community a safe place to live, work and visit.”
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11 comments:
What a waste of money. Bait and switch game just to ruin peoples lives over something that shouldnt even be the governments business.
So much for a free country
OUTSTANDING work to all involved. My hat is off to all of you!
Worcester County's finest at their best!
Craig Theobald
Ironshire
4:20 I hope you don't vote. You shouldn't even be allowed to drive. Maybe sit on a special bus with a helmet and drool cup.
4:20 I hope you don't vote. You shouldn't even be allowed to drive. Maybe sit on a special bus with a helmet and drool cup.
February 14, 2012 5:36 PM
I don't know about the guy you are commenting to but I think that asinine statement you made applies more to you than him.
Two years and only 91 low level dealers? Two cars, one stolen firearm, and a big $985 in cash.
This is a major bust to you and ironside?
It is a waste of time and more especially money that they say they don't have.
Not even even to cover their own expenses while conducting this 'major investigation'. lol. I would be ashamed to even disclose it to the media.
What's next, a jaywalking sweep?
536 ROFLMHO drool cup lol
Amazing job!
@ 7:16 AMEN!
Maybe you should take a good look at the people who were arrested and charged releated to this investigation. Many of them are repeat offenders and have long criminal histories involving multiple types of crime. This investigation mainly pertained to perscription drugs, I thought all you wet pants liberals thought LE should leave the pot smoker alone and address the hard drugs. I guess you need something to complain about.
This undercover should be charged with soliciting and fraud for the misrepresentation he perpetrated on citizen's of O.C.
What a classic set up.
There will be constitutional challenges.
A drug sting and they got no drugs??
After 2 years???
900 bucks?
sad...
They should have just laid off one cop. How much did that operation, which must have been a GREAT assignment for the cops, who also must have thought it was a hilarious operation, cost? The cabs, the painting and permits (they DID pay for business permits and such, right?) and the salaries, the processing of evidence, the salaries of all the support people involved. What a HUGE bust. $985 in siezures in TWO YEARS??? THAT much money is made in 15 minutes on any Friday night in ANY bar in O. C. by dealers. They did NOT stop ANYTHING, or put a dent in ANYTHING, but you can rest assured there will be AWARDS for performance and bravery, commendations and raises for one of the biggest operations of buffoonery in the state. Hope they don't hurt themselves patting each other on the back and pinning medals on each other. Use your names, too, you sissies.
9:42 PM
I read your rambling twice and I have yet to see any point to the drivel you posted.
Repeat offenders with long criminal histories?!
That's all you have to offer? You must have been one of the super sleuths that broke this major criminal enterprise wide open. lmao.
Book em Danno. No scratch that. Gimme back the bullet Barney.
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