Howard County police seized what they believe to be $25,000 worth of cocaine that thieves apparently left behind after burglarizing a Columbia apartment, police said.

Early Monday, police responded to a burglar alarm in the 5300 block of Columbia Road, said Lt. Tim Branning, who heads the department's vice and narcotics unit.

Officers discovered a broken window at the apartment and found drug paraphernalia and substances thought to be drugs inside, Branning said.

"It was being used as a stash and cutting house for cocaine," Branning said.

While searching the apartment, narcotics detectives found 2.5 pounds of what they believe is cocaine and about $1,000 in cash, Branning said.

The burglars apparently had targeted the apartment, Branning said, and fled with an unknown quantity of drugs. He said investigators are not sure whether the renters -- whom they would not name -- lived in the apartment or let others live there.

No arrests have been made, and narcotics officers are investigating.

Pub Date: 4/23/99