Investigation Results In Drug Distribution Arrests

BERLIN — Two search and seizure warrants executed on the same day last week resulted in significant drug distribution arrests for two local men.

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Marcus Pitts

A Berlin man was arrested on crack cocaine distribution charges last week after a raid at his home revealed nearly 400 grams of the illegal narcotic along with paraphernalia used to process it.

On Sept. 14, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team concluded an extensive investigation into crack cocaine distribution in the Berlin area with the arrest of a local man. During the course of the investigation, Marcus Adrien Pitts, 46, of Berlin, was identified as a significant source of crack cocaine in the area.

As a result of the investigation, a search and seizure warrant was executed at Pitts’ residence in Berlin during which detectives located around 395 grams of crack cocaine. In addition, detectives located various items of paraphernalia used in the process of converting powder cocaine into crack cocaine.

Pitts was arrested and charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, manufacturing crack cocaine and possession of narcotics production equipment. Pitts was subsequently committed to the Worcester County Jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond. During the search and seizure warrant execution, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office STAR team, the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, the Berlin Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

Also on Sept. 14, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a residence in Snow Hill as a result of the months-long cocaine distribution investigation. The months-long investigation identified Alford Hilton Hardy, 46, of Snow Hill, as a source of cocaine in the community.

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Alford Hardy

A search warrant was executed on Hardy’s residence, resulting in the seizure of 42 grams of cocaine, 56 grams of crack cocaine and over $2,300 in suspected drug sales proceeds. Hilton was arrested and charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $25,000 bond. The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office STAR Team and the Snow Hill Police Department.

About The Author: Shawn Soper

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Shawn Soper has been with The Dispatch since 2000. He began as a staff writer covering various local government beats and general stories. His current positions include managing editor and sports editor. Growing up in Baltimore before moving to Ocean City full time three decades ago, Soper graduated from Loch Raven High School in 1981 and from Towson University in 1985 with degrees in mass communications with a journalism concentration and history.