Brian C. Poore, left, and Julie Ganley are facing charges after a heroin-related arrest on Monday. (Submitted photos/Dover Police Department) DOVER — The recently reactivated Dover Police …
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DOVER — The recently reactivated Dover Police Department Street Crimes Unit allegedly discovered more than $11,000 worth of heroin during a Monday afternoon traffic stop and made two arrests, authorities said.
Dover residents Brian C. Poore, 35, of the 7000 block of Bayside Drive, and Julie Ganley, 22, of the 3000 block of Leipsic Road, were taken into custody at approximately 1:17 p.m. in the area of North DuPont Highway and Lakeview Drive, police.
While police would not disclose why the traffic stop was made, they did say that 1,153 bags of heroin, a smoking device containing burnt marijuana, hypodermic needles, a digital scale and $3,394 allegedly were located during an investigation.
“There was plenty of probable cause to make the stop,” Dover Police spokesman Lt. Jason Pires said.
Authorities said 17.295 grams of heroin were located.
“That’s definitely a substantial amount,” according to Lt. Pires.
The Street Crimes Unit was working with Delaware Probation and Parole during the incident.
Police said Mr. Poore was driving the vehicle and Ms. Ganley was a passenger.
While speaking with Mr. Poore, police said, an officer detected an alleged odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, which prompted the vehicle search.
Both Mr. Poore and Ms. Ganley were charged with possession of heroin in a Tier 5 quantity, possession with intent to deliver heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree conspiracy. Mr. Poore also was charged with driving while suspended.
Police said Mr. Poore was committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna in default of $91,500 cash bond.
Ms. Ganley was released on $72,500 unsecured bond.
The investigation continues, and police said anyone with information can call Dover Police at 736-7111. Callers can remain anonymous, authorities said.
Tips also can be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or at www.tipsubmit.com.
Lt. Pires said vehicle stop-related drug arrests are not unusual.
“The weakest part of a drug organization is transportation,” he said. “That’s when they are most susceptible to being caught, along with the delivery.”
The Street Crimes Unit has made a bevy of arrests since taking a proactive stance to policing in late May, when Dover Police Chief Paul Bernat made it operational during an ongoing string of shootings and/or homicides within the city limits.
While Lt. Pires said no big evaluation can be made about the unit in its early stages, “their presence has been immediately felt wherever they show up in the city.”
The Street Crimes Unit has worked in concert with other Dover Police units during its offensive push against criminal elements within the city, police said.
In addition to drug arrests, Lt. Pires said the unit has made other criminal arrests, issued tickets and warnings for alcohol and loud music violation and improper bikes on the sidewalk, among others.
Working with probation and parole, several fugitives have been located and regular curfew checks made.
“The unit has put together some great cases and made substantial arrests,” said Lt. Pires, noting that the unit also likely has thwarted some criminal activity before it starts due to its known presence.
Handgun in holster
A handgun in a holster was located and two arrests made during a Tuesday night Street Crimes Unit vehicle stop in the 200 block of Frear Drive, police said in a news release.
According to Dover Police, officers and Probation Parole members made a stop at 10:28 p.m. and found that driver Melissa Thompkins, 25, of the 200 block of Frear Drive in Dover, was found to have a capias from the Kent County Court of Common Pleas.
Charges against Ms. Thompkins included carrying a concealed deadly weapon and driving while suspended/revoked, along with the capias.
Passenger Frederick Tolson, 34, of the unit block of Ann Avenue in Dover, was found to have an active capias out of Kent County Family Court and an active warrant from the Dover Police on a third-degree assault charge, police said.
Charges against Mr. Tolson included possession of a firearm by person prohibited and carrying a concealed deadly weapon, along with the capias.
A 9mm handgun concealed underneath the steering wheel was found after the duo was taken into custody, police said.
Ms. Thompkins was arrested and released on $2,600 unsecured bond, police said. Mr. Tolson was arrested and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna in default of a $3,100 secured bond.