Police in Pennsylvania have taken a man into custody who they believe sold the drugs that caused the overdose death of an Abingdon man in April. The 37-year-old Philadelphia resident faces a raft of charges including counts of possessing drugs with the intent to distribute, possessing drug paraphernalia, simple assault and aggravated assault. His bail has been set at $250,000. He has waived his right to a preliminary hearing and is being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
The investigation into the man’s alleged criminal activities was launched when officers from the Abington Township Police Department determined that a 36-year-old local resident died as the result of a drug overdose. There have been more than 450 overdose deaths in Montgomery County in the last four years according to officials. Police determined that the man taken into custody sold the drugs that caused the overdose after viewing video surveillance footage and examining the victim’s cellphone.
Police used this evidence to obtain a warrant to search the man’s Benner Street residence. This search allegedly led to the discovery of 555 plastic bags containing substances believed to be fentanyl and heroin, approximately 80 grams of cocaine, 120 vials containing methamphetamine and about two pounds of marijuana. Police also claim to have found almost $8,000 in U.S. currency, several firearms, ammunition and items commonly used to weigh and package illegal drugs.
When most of the evidence against their clients was discovered during a law enforcement search, experienced criminal defense attorneys may take steps to determine whether or not the police officers involved acted properly and respected rights guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment. If narcotics were discovered during a search that was conducted based on insufficient or questionable probable cause, attorneys could seek to have the evidence excluded and drug charges against their client dismissed.