Delaware Man Arrested for Operating a Drug Property, Possession of Stolen Goods

Delaware State Police recently announced the arrest of a 62-year-old man of Dagsboro, Delaware, for multiple felony drug offenses and receiving stolen property following a search warrant executed on the suspect’s property.

According to police, on October 10, 2024, members of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force and the Sussex County Drug Unit, executed a search warrant at a house on the 32000 block of Dupont Boulevard in Dagsboro. The search warrant was obtained following a three-month investigation of the suspect for criminal nuisance property as well as the manufacturing and distribution of illegal narcotics. While executing the warrant, detectives detained 9 individuals that were located on the property, including the defendant.

The defendant has been charged with the following offenses:

• Operating a Clandestine Laboratory (Felony)
• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 3 counts
• Maintaining a Drug Property (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 1 (Felony)
• Receiving Stolen Property over $1,500 (Felony)
• Receiving Stolen Property under $1,500 – 3 counts
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 3 counts
• Criminal Nuisance – Maintaining a Place for Unlawful Conduct

Operating a Clandestine Laboratory 

16 DE Code § 4760A (2023) defines the crime of Operating a Clandestine Laboratory. Under the statute, any person who knowingly operates or attempts to operate a clandestine laboratory is guilty of a class C felony. Any individual who is convicted of a class C felony can face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years behind bars. In addition to facing prison time, any person convicted under this rule is held responsible for all reasonable costs, if any, associated with the remediation of the site of the clandestine laboratory and any costs associated with the cleanup of any substances or materials or hazardous waste.

Maintaining a Drug Property 

16 DE Code § 4760 (2023) defines the crime of Maintaining a Drug Property. Under the law, any individual who is the owner, landlord, or tenant of a property, including a dwelling, a building, a store, or a business, and who knowingly consents to the use of the property by another for the manufacture of, delivery of, or possession with the intent to manufacture or delivery controlled substances is guilty of a class F felony under Delaware law. A class F felony is punishable by up to 3 years in prison.

Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance 

Possession with Intent to Deliver is considered a class B felony under Delaware law. Delaware has harsh drug laws. 16 DE Code § 4752 (2023) defines the crime of drug dealing or possession. The law makes it illegal to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance in a Tier 3 quantity. It makes it a crime to possess a controlled substance in a Tier 3 quantity. A class B felony is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and has a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years behind bars.

Talk to a Wilmington, DE Criminal Defense Lawyer Today 

Michael W. Modica represents the interests of Wilmington residents who are facing serious allegations of drug crimes. Call our Wilmington criminal defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense right away.

Source:

dsp.delaware.gov/2024/10/11/search-warrant-in-dagsboro-leads-to-arrest-for-drug-offenses-and-stolen-property/