Fentanyl distribution indictment follows Westminster traffic stop
Two suspects were indicted for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and other charges by a Carroll County grand jury earlier this month, according to a news release from the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s office. The most serious charge of fentanyl distribution carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
According to police, 61 grams of suspected fentanyl were discovered in the suspects’ silver Chrysler Town and Country van during a traffic stop at Taneytown Pike and Hughes Shop Road in Westminster, just before 3 p.m., April 29. Neither the male driver, 52, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, nor the female passenger, 43, of Clear Brook, Virginia, had a valid driver’s license, police said.
Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker said in the news release that 61 grams of fentanyl is enough to kill more than 30,000 people. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl, a schedule II-controlled substance, is a synthetic opioid typically used to treat patients with chronic severe pain or severe pain following surgery. It is similar to morphine but about 100 times more potent; the average deadly dose is around 2 mg, according to the DEA.
“Eliminating the deadly threat posed by fentanyl is a top priority of this office.” Shoemaker said in the release.
About 33 grams of suspected cocaine, half a gram of suspected crack cocaine, about 100 empty gel capsules, a digital scale, and more than $1,000 in various denominations were also discovered inside the vehicle, police said, adding that the female suspect attempted to throw an object that contained crack cocaine under a police car during the search.
At the time of his arrest, the male suspect had an open arrest warrant from Frederick County on drug possession with intent to distribute charges from 2017, according to court documents.
The female suspect, who faces six drug- and paraphernalia-related charges, was released on April 30, according to court documents. The male suspect, who faces 10 charges, including four traffic-related charges, is being held without bail. He is scheduled to appear at a court hearing on June 16.
“Let those who come to Carroll to deal this poison be warned, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Shoemaker said in the release.
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