Fentanyl Headed To Maryland Recovered During I-95 Traffic Stop

(PERRYVILLE, MD) — During a traffic stop yesterday on I-95 in Cecil County, Maryland State Police arrested a New York man and recovered heroin and a significant amount of fentanyl that the investigation indicates was destined for sale in Maryland.

The suspect is identified as Carlos F. De La Cruz, 33, of Bronx, NY.  He is charged with importation of fentanyl into the state, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a large amount of narcotic, possession of fentanyl, importation of heroin into the state, possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of heroin.  He is currently being held in the Cecil County Detention Center without bond.

Shortly after 2:00 p.m. yesterday, a Maryland state trooper stopped a car for speeding that was traveling south on I-95 north of Perryville, in Cecil County.  Based on indications of criminal activity, a K-9 drug detection team responded and the dog gave a positive alert for the presence of drugs in the vehicle.

A search of the car revealed hidden compartments operated by hydraulic pistons located in the seats for the driver and right front seat passenger.  From these compartments, troopers recovered a package of suspected fentanyl weighing more than 1,100 grams, with a street value of about $150,000.  A package weighing almost 17 grams of suspected heroin was also recovered.

The preliminary investigation by troopers developed information indicating the fentanyl and heroin were being transported from New York to Maryland for street sales.  Assistance in the ongoing investigation is being provided by the Cecil Co. Drug Task Force.

Carlos De La Cruz