Two juveniles and two men from Baltimore were arrested on Monday as part of a drug-related police sting with the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office started a narcotics investigation in October after a fatal overdose in their county. Over the course of the investigation, an undercover deputy made several contacts via phone with the target of the investigation, Baltimore resident James Simms.
The deputy arranged a meeting with Simms to buy $2,000 worth of heroin. Simms then told the undercover agent the heroin was laced with fentanyl.
On Monday night, Simms agreed to meet the deputy at a pre-determined location in Frederick County. After confirming the undercover deputy was talking to was Simms, law enforcement officials stopped Simms in his car.
Simms' car was searched and officials found a Jennings J-22 handgun with an obliterated serial number, small plastic baggies, two baggies containing white powder, and 31 grams of heroin/fentanyl.
All suspects arrested are from Baltimore. The driver is identified as Andre Nelson and was charged with altering a firearm identification number and other handgun-related charges. Simms was charged with possession of heroin/fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl.
Two other passengers in the car were identified as juveniles, but they were still charged with possession of heroin/fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl and then they were referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The operation was assisted by the Maryland State Police and the investigation is ongoing.
