Drug Arrests Made; Large Quantity

[Howard Hartman]

	City of Takoma Park Police Department 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2012	Public Information Office              301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901

Drug Arrests Made; Large Quantity

Chief Ricucci of the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrests of Vincenzo Alfieri, 28 of Takoma Park, Maryland and Jeffery Morsch, 27 of Raleigh, North Carolina for possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of controlled dangerous substance manufacturing material, possession of controlled dangerous substance proceeds, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana- large quantity), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Thursday, July 19th at approximately 11:01 a.m., Takoma Park Police Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Belford Place for a residential burglary alarm.

Upon arrival, Officers spoke with Vincenzo Alfieri. Alfieri stated that the alarm was accidently triggered and that there was no need for police to be at the residence. Alfieri appeared to be extremely nervous and uncomfortable. It was at this time Officers asked Alfieri if everything was ok inside the residence and Alfieri gave consent for Officers to enter. As Officers approached the front door and stepped into the residence a strong odor of marijuana was detected.

Investigation revealed two large plastic bags of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the residence.

Alfieri was immediately placed under arrest. Jeffery Morsch was also inside the residence in close proximity of the marijuana and was placed under arrest as well. A search of Morsch revealed that he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were transported to the Central Processing Unit (CPU) without incident. Investigation continued resulting in the execution of the search and seizure warrant.

Approximately over 18 pounds of marijuana was discovered and seized as well as over $68,000.00 dollars in U.S. Currency. Miscellaneous drug paraphernalia was recovered, including several other items of evidentiary value.

This marks one of the largest drug investigations in the Takoma Park Police Department's history. Chief Ricucci is proud of the initiative and diligence that was displayed by all of the Officers involved in this incident.

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500 Block of Belford Place in Takoma Park