Two arrested for possession of drugs, stolen firearms

Spates (left) and Copes

SALISBURY, Md. – Deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people on numerous drug and gun charges following a search warrant on Wednesday.

The execution of the warrant at a home in the 1000 block of John Street was the result of an investigation into the distribution of controlled dangerous substances and stolen illegal firearms. During the search, deputies found crack cocaine and marijuana prepackaged and in an amount indicative of the intent to distribute, along with three firearms, one of which was reported stolen from a residential burglary back in January. A compound bow that had been reported stolen was also found.

As a result of the search, 29-year-old Darell Spates and 50-year-old Blankford Copes were arrested charged.

Spates was charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics within 1000 feet of a school zone, possession with the intent to distribute narcotics, possession of a firearm during drug trafficking crime, three counts of possession of firearm by prohibited person (felony), in addition to other CDS/firearm related charges. He is currently being held without bond at the Wicomico County Detention Center.

Copes was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1000 feet of a school zone and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. He was released on $5,000 bond.