Local and federal authorities yesterday broke up what they say is a crack cocaine ring operating in Calvert and southern Anne Arundel counties.
After a nine-month investigation, officers raided an Annapolis apartment and arrested three men, two identified as leaders of the ring, the third as a dealer, police said. Officers confiscated $3,170 from the apartment in the Admiral Oaks complex, but no drugs. In all, police seized $5,000 and six vehicles, and were expecting to make more arrests.
The ring is suspected of supplying 40 ounces of crack a month to northern Calvert and southern Anne Arundel counties. Undercover officers bought drugs on 10 occasions from ring members by appointment, calling dealers on their pagers to arrange time and place, police said.
Arrested in Annapolis were Toby A. Brooks, 25, of Admiral Oaks, Craig G. Emerson, 26, of Owings and Lamont Q. Howard, also of Owings. Mr. Brooks and Mr. Emerson were charged under the drug kingpin statute; Mr. Howard was charged with distribution of drugs.
The investigation was conducted by the Calvert County Sheriff's Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the North Beach Police Department.