10 Dec Major rise in heroin drug cases reported in Ocean City

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Drug Charges on Monday, December 10, 2012.

Maryland’s major beach resort community has been a focal point recently of what police say are rising levels of heroin abuse. Police officials in Ocean City conducted a large-scale investigation into suspected heroin trafficking over the course of several weeks recently. As a result of the investigation, more than 20 people are now facing felony drug charges.

Authorities reported that they seized more than 100 bags of heroin as a result of the drug sting efforts. While the investigation reportedly involved undercover purchases of a variety of drugs, police say most involved heroin.

Officials speculate that the increase in heroin trafficking is due to a similar crackdown under way statewide on prescription drug fraud and abuse. They say addicted people who may be unable to get prescription drugs the way they normally have in the past appear to be turning to illegal opiates like heroin.

The Ocean City police report that heroin cases have risen by approximately 550 percent compared to the numbers they saw last year. They further indicate that the activity involving heroin is on top of increases in general drug-related arrests in their area over the past five years.

It is important for readers to remember that just because someone is charged with crimes associated with drugs in Maryland does not mean that the person is actually guilty. The presumption is one of innocence. The onus is on prosecutors to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Anyone charged with any crime, but certainly one as serious as one dealing with drugs, should consult an experienced attorney immediately.

Source: The Baltimore Sun, “Ocean City dealing with ‘overwhelming increase’ in heroin cases,” Kevin Rector, Dec. 4, 2012