Dorchester Co. man arrested on drug and gun charges

EAST NEW MARKET, Md. – An East New Market man is facing numerous charges following the execution of a Search 7 Seizure warrant.

On Tuesday, October 16th, the Dorchester County Narcotics Task Force, including members of the Maryland State Police, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Cambridge Police, Hurlock Police, and the Dorchester County State’s Attorney’s office executed the warrant at 3546 Chateau Drive, in East New Market.

45-year-old Shannon Troy Purnell, the target of the investigation, was found at the residence. Inside the home, officials found two 9 mm pistols, numerous rounds of 9 mm ammunition, a digital scale, 3.5 grams of heroin, 90 grams of marijuana, 2 cell phones, and assorted equipment used to grow marijuana.

Purnell was subsequently arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of marijuana, two counts of possession of a firearm while involved in distribution of CDS, possession of a firearm while involved in a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.

He is currently being held without bond.