OCEAN CITY POLICE UNDERCOVER OFFICER POSES AS CAB DRIVER

NEARLY TWO YEAR INVESTIGATION LEADS TO 34 INDICTMENTS

The Ocean City Police Department’s narcotics unit recently concluded a nearly two-year undercover investigation with the criminal indictments of 34 individuals. The indictments, which included 91 charges of distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and 28 charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, resulted in preset bonds totaling $4,555,000.


During the investigation, an Ocean City Police detective acting in a covert capacity started a legitimate taxicab company during which the detective acted as the owner/operator.  The cab company, the “Tipsy Taxi,” had an actual official Town of Ocean City cab license and ran legitimate fares, in addition to the undercover operation.


On February 2, 2012, the Ocean City Police Department, along with the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, began apprehending the indicted suspects.  During the course of three days, the law enforcement teams apprehended 22 of 34 individuals.  In addition to those apprehended, four of the suspects were already incarcerated on unrelated charges.  The arrest warrants for the remaining wanted individuals who are no longer living in the Ocean City area will be turned over to the Maryland State Apprehension Team (MSAT).


“I commend our narcotics unit for their investigative initiative,” said Chief Bernadette A. DiPino.  “I also want to commend the undercover detective involved in this operation.  The self sacrifice and dedication to this lengthy investigation demonstrated incredible commitment and reflects great credit upon them and all of the law enforcement officers involved.”


During the operation, the Ocean City Police Department seized two vehicles, a stolen firearm and $985 in cash.  “This operation would not have been possible without our partners at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Worcester County State’s Attorney,” Chief DiPino said.  “Sheriff Mason, State’s Attorney Oglesby and members of their agencies, have helped in not only keeping drugs off the streets of Ocean City, but Worcester County as a whole and continue to make our community a safe place to live, work and visit.”