(NORTH EAST, MD) – Maryland State Police Gang Enforcement Unit investigators concluded a Cecil County drug investigation yesterday with two arrests and the recovery of more than one dozen guns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and hundreds of baggies of heroin packaged for street sales.
The suspects are identified as Jeremiah J. Bedwell, 23, and George W. Anderson Jr., 40, who both live in the 100-block of W. Huron Court, North East, Md. Bedwell is charged with possession of a large amount of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, and possession of a rifle with a felony conviction. He was incarcerated on $200,000 bond.
Anderson is charged with possession of a large amount of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime. He was incarcerated on $200,000 bond.
Since earlier this summer, Maryland State Police Gang Enforcement Unit investigators had been conducting an investigation into the alleged sale of drugs from the suspects’ residence, located in the Lakeside Trailer Park community in North East. The State Police investigation led to a search warrant that was issued for the residence and served there yesterday. Assisting with the investigation were troopers from the Criminal Enforcement Division, and Maryland State Apprehension Team, and the North East Barrack.
Both suspects were taken into custody at their residence yesterday when the search warrant was served. Troopers recovered 17 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and 319 baggies of heroin.
Much of the recovered heroin was packaged in “bundles” of 13 baggies, a common method to package it for sale. Investigators recovered four semi-automatic pistols, eight rifles and five shotguns. None of the firearms were registered to Bedwell or Anderson, Jr. Bedwell is prohibited by MD law from being in possession of any firearms due to previous criminal convictions. Bedwell and Anderson, Jr. were charged with the drug and firearms violations and were held on bond at the Cecil County Detention Center.
Multiple Maryland State Police Gang Enforcement Unit investigations in the Lakeside Trailer Park over the past several months have led to the seizure of over 1,000 baggies of heroin. Drug investigations in this community and others throughout Cecil County will continue.
Persons seeking help for a heroin addiction can call 211 to learn about resources in their area. Maryland has launched a statewide effort to combat the significant increase in heroin overdose deaths and the Maryland State Police is a partner in that effort. For more information, visit www.dhmh.maryland.gov and click on “overdose prevention.”
