ACLU questions legality of Harford County heroin checkpoints

BEL AIR, Md. —Controversy is brewing over whether a drug enforcement initiative by the Harford County Sheriff's Office is legal.

Earlier this week, deputies set up heroin interdiction checkpoints, which involved 73 officers from seven agencies. Authorities targeted major highways, including routes 152, 1, 24 and 40. They also focused on hotspot neighborhoods known for heroin use and sales.

Unlike DUI checkpoints, the heroin checkpoints allowed drivers to proceed at the posted speed limit. Motorists got pulled over for committing some type of traffic offense.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland contends the effort raises red flags. The ACLU believes the checkpoints violate Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

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