Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Drug/Weapons Charges

June 24, 2026/Joe Ciccanti

A 35-year-old Laurel man was taken into custody after police officers conducted a traffic stop related to a suspected DUI investigation. The traffic stop was conducted on June 19th shortly before midnight. A records check revealed that  Joe Smith had two active capias warrants. When officers informed him of the warrants and attempted to take him into custody, Smith fled on foot from the scene. Following a brief pursuit, officers successfully apprehended Smith without further incident. A search of Smith and the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 10.5 grams of suspected heroin packaged in 455 individual baggies, a loaded privately manufactured 9mm handgun (“ghost gun”), approximately 0.8 ounces of marijuana, and $6,260 in U.S. currency. Smith was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court and later transported to Sussex Correction Institution after his failure to post $214,300 cash bond.

Additional Information from Laurel PD:

Joe Smith

List of Charges:

  • Resisting Arrest/Fleeing to Avoid Apprehension
  • Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Firearms-Related Offenses
  • Additional charges related to the active capias warrants

 

NOTE: The issuance of a warrant for the arrest of a subject is a determination of probable cause by the investigating agency related to the above incident. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Laurel Police Department remains committed to protecting our community and addressing illegal narcotics and firearm-related offenses.

 

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