Major drug and weapons bust in Laurel nets two arrests after raid turns up cocaine, heroin, meth and knives
Laurel, DE – A major drug investigation led to the arrest of two suspects Tuesday after a police raid on a Laurel home uncovered cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, pills, and multiple illegal weapons — including large knives — authorities announced Wednesday.
David Vasquez, 57, and Bethany Dean, 27, were taken into custody after the Sussex County Drug Unit and Governor’s Task Force executed a search warrant at a home on East Trap Pond Road. The warrant followed a multi-week investigation into the suspected distribution of narcotics from the residence.
Vasquez was pulled over in a Dodge Ram and detained without incident just before the raid. Dean was found inside the home and taken into custody as police began their search. Inside, detectives discovered large quantities of illegal drugs, including over 160 grams of powder cocaine and nearly 10 grams of meth.
The search also turned up oxycodone pills, heroin, crack cocaine, gabapentin, escitalopram, and four knives exceeding three inches in length. Investigators say the seized materials indicate a large-scale drug distribution operation.
Both suspects are facing a long list of felony charges, including multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver controlled substances at Tier 3, Tier 2, and Tier 1 levels. Additional charges include possession of deadly weapons during the commission of a felony, conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Vasquez and Dean, both prohibited from possessing weapons due to prior violent felony convictions, were also charged with four counts each of possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited.
After being arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2, the suspects were committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $84,000 cash bonds.
Authorities have not indicated whether more arrests are expected in connection to the case. The investigation remains ongoing.
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Key Points
- Police arrested David Vasquez and Bethany Dean in Laurel for drug trafficking and weapons offenses
- Officers seized cocaine, heroin, meth, prescription pills, and knives in the home raid
- Both suspects remain in custody on $84,000 cash bonds facing multiple felony charges