Laurel traffic stop leads to drug, weapons charges

LAUREL, Del. – A traffic stop in Laurel led to felony drug and weapons charges for one man.

On June 19, Laurel Police pulled over 35-year-old Joe Smith of Laurel for a suspected DUI.

A records check showed Smith had two active warrants.

When officers informed him of his warrants and attempted to take him into custody, Smith ran from the scene.

He was eventually caught and arrested without further incident.

A search of Smith and his vehicle resulted in the seizure of suspected heroin packaged in 455 individual baggies, a loaded handgun, marijuana and more than $6,000.

He’s facing a number of charges including:

• Resisting Arrest/Fleeing to Avoid Apprehension

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Firearms-Related Offenses

• Additional charges related to the active capias warrants

Smith was taken to Sussex Correctional Institution after his failure to post more than $214,000 cash bond.