Four indicted in Delaware’s largest fentanyl seizure

DELAWARE – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging three Dover residents and a Middletown resident in connection to a fentanyl seizure.

Officials say the amount of fentanyl seized in this incident is the largest known fentanyl seizure in Delaware history.

According to the indictment, 51-year-old Dwayne Fountain, 47-year-old William Warren, 44-year-old Durell Patton, and 47-year-old Martin Fountain conspired to distribute drugs from January through May 2023. With respect to Dwayne Foutain, the conspiracy reportedly involved more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 400 grams of fentanyl, and more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. It is also alleged that all four individuals possessed various drugs with the intent to distribute. The indictment additionally charges Dwayne Fountain and Durrell Patton with possessing guns on May 17, 2023, despite past criminal convictions that prohibit them from doing so.

According to documents filed in court, this case was the result of a long-term investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Delaware State Police, and Dover Police Department. Search warrants led to the seizure of more than 7.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 10 kilograms of powder cocaine, over a kilogram of crack cocaine, about 280 grams of methamphetamine, and 300 grams of xylazine, commonly referred to as “tranq”, an additive commonly mixed with fentanyl.

The indictment charges these individuals with conspiring to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl, and various other drug and gun crimes.