A narcotics investigation conducted by several Maryland law enforcement agencies led to the search of a Frostburg residence and the arrest of a 38-year-old man on Aug. 27. The Philadelphia resident has been charged with possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and possession of oxycodone pills with the intent to distribute. He was ordered to be held without bond when he was arraigned on Aug. 28 and is being held at the Allegany County Detention Center.
The investigation was launched to combat the distribution of fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine in the Allegany County region. Initial reports do not reveal what led officers with the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force to suspect that the man was using a home on National Highway to store and distribute controlled substances.
A search of the property is said to have led to the discovery and seizure of what were described as large quantities of crack cocaine and heroin along with several oxycodone pills and an undisclosed amount of cash. Police also allegedly discovered packaging materials that suggested the seized drugs were being distributed. The ACNTF was assisted in the investigation by the Maryland State Police, the Cumberland Police Department, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and the Garrett County Narcotics Task Force.
Experienced criminal defense attorneys may study police reports and search warrant applications carefully before advising clients who face serious drug charges. Perusing a negotiated plea agreement may be a prudent strategy if the evidence is strong, police acted properly and search warrants were issued based on sound probable cause, but attorneys may seek to have narcotics possession and distribution charges reduced or dismissed if rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution seem to have been infringed upon or searches may have been illegal.