On August 1st, 2018, at approximately 8:00 P.M., a Newport Police Officer observed a vehicle traveling on East Justis Street in Newport playing loud music, in violation of the Delaware Traffic Code, according to police.
Officials said the officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the operator of the vehicle, Marion Woodard Jr., 28, of Wilmington. Based upon events that occurred during the interaction with Woodard, the officer summoned a New Castle County Police Narcotics Canine Team to respond to the traffic stop. Upon the arrival of the Canine Team, Canine “Prezzi” provided a positive indication for controlled substances on the vehicle that Mr. Woodard was occupying.
Woodard was found to have 22 bundles of heroin (approximately 286 bags) secreted in his groin area, according to police. He was also found to be in possession of $280.00 in cash, which was seized as a result of this investigation.
The Newport Police Officer was assisted by an Agent of the Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) and Delaware Probation And Parole Officers during this investigation.
Woodard was charged with loud music or noise which is audible from a distance of 50 feet or greater from a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with the intent to deliver heroin in a tier 2 quantity, and tampering with physical evidence.
He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 11 where he received a $13,100.00 secured bail.
He was also subsequently charged with a violation of probation and remanded to the Howard R. Correctional Institution after failing to post bail.