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.
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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