Two women arrested in Delaware meth bust after months-long drug probe
Wilmington, DE – A months-long drug investigation in New Castle County culminated in the arrest of two women on Monday, after a plastic bag full of methamphetamine led state police to a foot chase and felony drug charges.
Jamiyah Dennis, 26, of Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, and Kaliyah Barnes, 19, of Newark, Delaware, were both arrested by Delaware State Police following a multi-agency narcotics probe that centered around large-scale methamphetamine distribution.
Investigators say Dennis had sold approximately 310 grams of meth to undercover officers over the course of the investigation. A warrant was issued for her arrest on September 4. Four days later, troopers moved in when Dennis arrived in the 100 block of West 41st Street in Wilmington with a large plastic bag suspected to contain drugs.
Dennis tried to flee the scene on foot but was caught after a short chase. Police say she resisted arrest and kicked a trooper while attempting to break free from a patrol vehicle. A search of her and her bag led to the discovery of 456 grams — or roughly one pound — of methamphetamine.
Meanwhile, Barnes, who had allegedly driven Dennis to the drop-off location in a Chevrolet Traverse, was stopped nearby and arrested without incident. Investigators determined that she knowingly assisted Dennis despite being aware that she was in possession of narcotics.
Both women were transported to Troop 2, where they were charged with a series of offenses. Dennis faces multiple felony charges including Tier 5 drug trafficking, resisting arrest, second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, and tampering with physical evidence. She was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and held on a $212,000 cash bond at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution.
Charges against Barnes include criminal conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver.
The investigation was carried out by Delaware State Police Troop 2 Drug Task Force, in cooperation with the Governor’s Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations – Wilmington, and the Delaware County Narcotics Unit.
Key Points
- Two women were arrested Monday after a methamphetamine investigation in Wilmington
- Jamiyah Dennis was found with over a pound of meth and attempted to flee police
- Kaliyah Barnes was arrested as an accomplice for driving Dennis to the scene