The Delaware State Police have arrested two men on multiple drug charges and one in connection with an operation of a clandestine lab for the purpose of producing methamphetamine, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said on February 15, 2019 members of the Governor’s Task Force (GTF) responded to 200 block of Ingram Branch Road in Harrington in reference to attempting to locate 48-year-old Stephen Strannahan who was wanted for violation of probation as an absconder. As members of GTF pulled up to the residence Strannahan was identified standing outside and began to flee on foot. Strannahan was subsequently taken into custody. Once inside the residence another male subject, identified as 37-year-old Christopher Corkell was located and found to be in possession of approximately 1.29 grams of methamphetamine.
As members of GTF secured the residence and checked for any additional subjects numerous items were found that indicated the operation of a clandestine methamphetamine lab. The residence was secured and a search warrant was obtained with the assistance of the Kent Count Drug Unit (KDU). The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Hazmat team was also notified to respond to the residence. Upon their arrival, a large amount of evidence related to an active clandestine lab was located, removed and disposed of at the scene, said Jaffe. The determination was made by the DNREC Hazmat Team that there was no need to evacuate any surrounding residence.
During the execution of the search warrant the following items were located and seized:
Approximately 5.24 grams of heroin package for distribution
Approximately 1.59 grams of methamphetamine
Approximately 2.37 grams of marijuana
Drug Paraphernalia
Over $600.00 in suspected drug proceeds.
Strannahan and Corkell were transported back to Troop 3. Strannahan was charged with the following:
Operation of a clandestine lab for the purpose of producing methamphetamine
Possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 5 quantity
Possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 4 quantity with the intent to deliver
Resisting Arrest
Conspiracy Second Degree
Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance (2 counts)
Strannahan was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $64,000.00 secured bond.
Corkell was charged with the following:
Possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 5 quantity
Possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 4 quantity with the intent to deliver
Conspiracy Second Degree
Resisting Arrest
Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance
Corkell was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $42,600.00 secured bond.
In February of 2018, Stephen F. Strannahan was a resident at a Maryland home where a suspected drug lab caught fire and destroyed a backyard shed. Officials did not indicate if it was the same Stephen F. Strannahan that was arrested in Harrington.
Maryland Investigators Say Suspected Drug Lab Fire Was An Accident
