Matthew Santoni, The Examiner
2006-06-14 09:00:00.0
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Aberdeen, Md. -

Aberdeen police announced they had made a series of drug-related arrests last week, marking a shift from their dependence on Harford County’s resources for attacking drug traffic.

City Police Chief Randy Rudy said that on June 7, city police joined officers from the county’s gang suppression unit, the county’s narcotics task force and a K-9 training unit from New Castle County, Del., to sweep several areas in the city known for drug traffic, arresting six individuals on charges ranging from possession of paraphernalia to intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine. One was charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault on an officer.

The areas of Swan Meadows, East Bel Air Avenue, Baldwin Manor and the Old Post Apartments were all swept by police between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Rudy said.

Though representatives from the County Sheriff’s Office were involved, Aberdeen police took the lead because the county often has to deal with problems elsewhere.

“They’re working on those issues based on priority, and we’re simply not in a position to wait until our need rises to that priority level,” Rudy said.

During the operation, police seized 13 rocks of crack cocaine, 10 grams of marijuana and approximately $300 in cash.

Members of the Aberdeen City Council praised the drug enforcement efforts at Monday’s meeting, pleased that the city was taking more responsibility.

“We don’t care where they go, as long as they leave Aberdeen,” said Council President Ron Kupferman.

Jeanette Butler, a resident of the Washington Park Apartments on Hanover Street, praised police for their increased visibility and interaction with community members.

“It’s only been two months,” Butler said. “Maybe by next year, the experiment in Aberdeen will be just as good as all the development that’s coming.”

msantoni@baltimoreexaminer.com