Search Warrant Turns Up Evidence of Guns, Drugs
Delaware State Police have arrested a 45-year-old, a 19-year-old, and a 23-year-old for drug and gun-related charges following a search warrant executed at their residence in Millsboro recently. On March 28, 2025, members of the Sussex County Drug Unit, Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, and Troop 4 Property Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on the 27000 block of Clover Lane in Millsboro. Police say that the search warrant was obtained following a drug and theft investigation of a 45-year-old suspect. According to police, as they were executing the search warrant, a woman closed and locked the door. A man, later identified as the 19-year-old, attempted to flee through the back door. He was quickly apprehended by police. During the search warrant, six individuals located on the property were detained. A search of the home led to the discovery of these items:
- A loaded .22 caliber handgun
- Approximately 2.31 grams of heroin
- Approximately 2.69 grams of cocaine
- Approximately 1.40 grams of crack cocaine
- Digital scale
- Drug paraphernalia
The 45-year-old suspect was taken to Troop 4 where he was charged with the crimes listed below. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $35,000 secured bond.
- Operating a Clandestine Laboratory (Felony)
- Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance (Felony) – 3 counts
- Maintaining a Drug Property (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 3 counts
Operating a clandestine laboratory
16 DE Code § 4760A (2024) makes it a crime to operate a clandestine laboratory in the State of Delaware. Most of these laboratories are built for the purpose of manufacturing meth. According to the statute, any individual who operates a clandestine meth lab is responsible for the cleanup associated with remediating the property after it has been discovered. In other words, the government charges them for the cleanup of the property where the meth lab was found. Any individual who is convicted under this statute is guilty of a class C felony. Plus, they are responsible for all reasonable costs associated with the remediation of the site of the clandestine laboratory.
Under the statute, a “clandestine laboratory” is defined as any property, real or personal, on or in which a person assembles any chemicals or equipment or combination thereof which are intended to be used to or have been used to unlawfully manufacture a controlled substance or other substance in violation of the law.
Talk to a Wilmington, DE Drug Crimes Lawyer Today
Michael W. Modica represents the interests of Wilmington residents who have been accused of selling, possessing, or manufacturing drugs. Call our Wilmington criminal defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your defense strategy right away.
