Officials in Baltimore County say they hope that a 40-year prison sentence handed down to a Maryland man will send a "strong message to others who deal large amounts of drugs.
The 33-year-old Gwynn Oak man was convicted of charges including possession with intent to distribute cocaine. A multi-jurisdictional investigation reportedly uncovered 1,036 grams of the drug that they say belonged to him. That amount qualifies him as a "volume dealer," which is anyone found in possession of more than 448 grams of the drug.
This wasn't the man's first run-in with the law. He was on probation for a conviction involving felony heroin when he was arrested last fall and had been previously convicted for felony assault.
The investigation, which included law enforcement professionals from Baltimore, Carroll and Harford counties, began after a Harford County traffic stop last September. According to the Maryland Attorney General's Office, police subsequently discovered more drugs and drug-related materials, including nearly 600 grams of heroin, as well as handguns and over $10,000 cash during search warrants carried out at multiple homes. He reportedly was transporting cocaine and heroin between New York and Maryland.
After the conviction, Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh said "We are gratified that our partnership with [Carroll County] State's Attorney [Brian] DeLeonardo and his office will make Marylanders safer and will send a strong message to drug traffickers."
Most drug-related arrests don't involve this volume of narcotics. However, it's essential to know that Maryland law enforcement agencies and prosecutors take drug crimes seriously. If you or a loved one if facing drug charges, it's essential to seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Source: Baltimore Sun, "Baltimore County man, arrested in Harford, gets 40 years in jail as 'volume' drug dealer," Erika Butler, Aug. 01, 2017