By Craig Anderson

LEWES — The largest seizure of pre-packaged heroin in Delaware could be quantified in kilograms, bricks and logs.

The number of firearms involved could be counted, and the $1.65 million value of the largest heroin log determined.

What can’t be determined is how many lives might have been saved through the success of “Operation Dawg House.”

Officials say the fact the drugs were pre-packaged is critical.

“Essentially what that means is that these drugs were ready to impact citizens immediately, to change, alter or maybe end lives, said Delaware State Police Superintendent Col. Melissa Zebley.

“So that significance can’t be measured in that regard. We can weigh the drugs, we can count the weapons, but the impact on citizens is absolutely immeasurable.”

An array of law enforcement officials from the First State and Maryland announced the seizure during a news conference at Delaware State Police Troop 7 Wednesday afternoon.

There was plenty to discuss, since 44 arrests were made, nine other persons were wanted on charges and two more awaited extradition from Maryland. There are 353 felony charges involved, DSP said.

Authorities said Bridgeville/Laurel area resident George Johnson, 40, was determined to be the drug trafficking organization’s leader. A wire interception order ensued and was utilized for several months in late 2021, DSP said. During that time, investigators determined the numerous persons involved and a distribution system for the drugs. Eventually, five search warrants were executed.

DSP Capt. Jon Wood, who commands Troop 4 in Georgetown, said the investigation began in late 2020 and Mr. Johnson became a suspect “due to an influx of heroin overdoses that were traced to a series of product stamps associated with his distribution network.”

Capt. Wood said there were 16 known overdoses in Delaware in the first half of 2021 and six more in Maryland.

“These were only the ones reported, keeping in mind that most overdoses go unreported due to the nefarious nature of the event,” he said.

While the drugs originated from Pennsylvania and possibly New Jersey, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Michael Lewis said they impacted both Maryland and Delaware.

The challenges of thwarting the trade never ends, and Sheriff Lewis said deputies seized 50 pounds of drugs on Tuesday near the Delaware border.

With the Delaware Department of Justice now tasked with prosecuting the alleged offenders, Attorney General Kathy Jennings considered the lives of victims as well.

“Let’s be clear: this was not just a drug seizure,” she said. “In the midst of an addiction epidemic that claims more than 400 lives a year — and in which Delaware has consistently been one of the country’s three hardest-hit states — this operation saved lives.

“We need to help our neighbors in need get on the path to recovery, and need to hold accountable everyone who has helped fuel the addiction crisis – from the industry that sowed the seeds of the epidemic to the drug traffickers who profit off of it today.

“I am profoundly grateful to DSP and the team that led this investigation, and to each of our neighbors who are working to help us rebuild from the devastation of this crisis.”

Officials detailed other facets of the probe, including seizures made::

• 330,605 bags heroin (2,543 logs / 2,314.235 grams / 2.314 Kilos)

• 20 heroin/fentanyl mixture caplets

• 5.82 grams of crack cocaine/cocaine

• 771.06 grams of marijuana

• 10 Ecstasy doses

• Three firearms and ammunition (one stolen firearm with removed serial number).

• $65,000 in United States currency

• Drug paraphernalia/cell phones/documents

• Three motor vehicles valued at over $50,000

“Certainly those who seek to prey on others know no boundaries, no jurisdictions and are not concerned with state lines, so it can’t be overstated how profoundly impactful this well be for Delaware and Maryland alike,” Col. Zebley said.