BERLIN — Local law enforcement officials late last week conducted sweeping raids at locations from one end of Worcester to the other, resulting in the seizure of narcotics and weapons and four arrests.
Worcester’s Criminal Enforcement Team, a highly specialized drug enforcement unit of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, executed four coordinated search and seizure warrants on Thursday and Friday resulting in the seizure of marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and assault weapons. Working together with local, state and federal partners, the Criminal Enforcement Team concluded a two-month investigation with three simultaneous warrant executions in Pocomoke and a fourth in Bishopville.
In total, 926 grams of marijuana, 12 grams of crack cocaine, 27 individual bags of heroin and two tablets of ecstasy were recovered. In addition, one Intra-Tec 9 assault pistol, one Smith and Wesson .39 caliber revolver and one Hi Point .40 caliber carbine were also recovered.
“Thanks to the members of the Criminal Enforcement Team and our allied partners, the streets of Worcester County are both cleaner and safer today,” said Sheriff Reggie Mason this week.
Among those arrested were Clement Lee Johnson, 31, of Bishopville, who has been charged with possession of marijuana, crack cocaine, ecstasy and heroin, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, two counts of possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime and possession of a stolen firearm.
Davonte Lamont Purnell, 22, of Pocomoke was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and crack, possession of an assault pistol, possession of a high capacity magazine, felon in possession of a firearm and other weapons violations.
Finally, Marcus Shaquille Cropper, 20, of Pocomoke, and Eric Aaron Cropper, 46, also of Pocomoke, were each arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine.
Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby promised swift and stern prosecution of those arrested during the raids.
“Drugs and guns go hand in hand, and when our law enforcement officers risk their lives to make our communities safer, you can rest assured that our office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.