39 indicted in Wicomico Co. drug bust, task force speaks out

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. -2.5 kilos of cocaine, 30 grams of fentanyl and 14 firearms were seized by Wicomico Narcotics, a task force between the Maryland Department of State Police, Fruitland Police and the Wicomico County State’s Attorney Office.

The investigation spanned over multiple months, and MSP Lieutenant, Adam Howard, commander of the Criminal Enforcement Division on the Eastern region, told WMDT it was one of the biggest drug busts in the county.

“This drug trafficking organization worked in the Eastern Shore area,” Lieutenant Howard said. “They were traveling up and down the shore; a majority of their distribution network was in Wicomico County, which is why all 39 people were indicted in Wicomico County.”

Police said tips from confidential informants and citizen complaints helped push this investigation ahead. Investigators learned the ring was packaging the drugs in Wicomico County. Assistant State’s Attorney, Trish Coletta said each individual is facing different charges.

“The charges range from Drug King Pin for the individuals that were at the top of the organization, to possession with the intent to distribute narcotics, such as the cocaine and the fentanyl, simple possession, conspiracy charges, of all the individuals involved,” Coletta said.

Fruitland Police Chief, Krah Plunkert said his jurisdiction was greatly impacted by the drug ring.
But now, the city can start looking towards the justice that he said will be served.

“It’s not only a weight taken off our shoulders, but the community that sees this tonight, it’s a weight off their shoulders,” Chief Plunkert said. “A lot of community [members] know what’s going on within their jurisdictions, they know the issues that they have, and it’s up to them to reach out to us so that we can continue to do these types of investigations.”