Howard County Police have arrested 12 suspects for nitrous oxide possession and distribution at and around a Phish concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion over the weekend. Large amounts of cash, 32 nitrous oxide tanks and two vehicles were also seized as part of the investigation.
During patrols meant to suppress illegal drug activity, officers observed a team of suspects operating in the area around the concert venue and nearby parking lots. The organized group worked together to sell nitrous oxide, a chemical gas that produces mind-altering effects when inhaled.
The following suspects were arrested and charged with drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, possession for distribution, and paraphernalia possession: James Allen, 52, of Bronx, NY; Crystal Lynn Allison, 31, of Attleboro, MA; Nathaniel Banks, 23, of Providence, RI; Jose Miguel Curet, 24, of Lancaster, PA; Jim Henry Mackay, 32, of Attleboro, MA; Joseph Mondello, 34, of Manville, RI; Shawn Montrond, 22, of Providence, RI; Joshua Priest, 24, of Manheim, PA; Carmelo Rosario, 25, of Lancaster, PA; Carlos Ruiz, 25, of Bronx, NY; Victor Santos, 31, of Bronx, NY; Harry Rodriguez, 22, of Bronx, NY.
Police believe the suspects are members of an organized group that is known to travel the east coast distributing the drug at concerts.
Allison, Curet, Priest and Ruiz have posted bond. The remaining suspects are currently being held at the Howard County Detention Center on bond varying from $5,000-10,000.
Thank you Law enforcement for rounding up this desperate gang of drug dealers. Never mind the heroin markets you drove through on your way to this bust.
ReplyDeleteMuch safer for the cops. The gang was only armed with hackey sacks and balloons of NO2.
ReplyDeleteEvery can of whipped cream contains nitrous oxide as a propellant.After the whipped cream in the can is gone people inhale the nitrous oxide that's left over.
ReplyDeleteHow in the world does this hurt anyone?
ReplyDeleteNO2 is a gateway drug. It leads to laughing and giggling.
ReplyDeleteI feel safer now. A ruthless cartel of whip-its distributors behind bars.
ReplyDeleteHow are a bunch of hippies with laughing gas a "drug problem"?Lets do something about all the heroin skags
ReplyDelete9:57 While an intern on rotation in the ER I witnessed a death due to N2O. N2O effectively replaces oxygen in the body. This oxygen deprivation can cause loss of blood pressure and a heart attack.
ReplyDeleteThe "laughing gas" (N20-02) administered at a dental office isn't pure. It contains oxygen.
You can overdose and die from drinking too much water also. Everything in moderation my grandmother used to say. Many more people OD on heroin than NO2. Just saying.
ReplyDelete