The Ocean View Police Department (OVPD) has arrested an Ocean View area couple for distributing methamphetamine, according to Chief Kenneth McLaughlin.
McLaughlin said the charges arose from a joint investigation by the OVPD and DEA (Dover) Taskforce in response to increased meth usage in Ocean View and surrounding areas. The investigation concluded on July 13, 2022, with a raid on a home located on Baltimore Avenue in the unincorporated area of Ocean View.
Police recovered over one pound of methamphetamine, 13 baggies of heroin, and small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia said McLaughlin. Additionally, police seized $6000.00 cash and
an SUV. Officers from the Delaware State Police Troop 4 and Delaware Animal Control assisted Ocean View Police and DEA Taskforce officers with the search of the home.
Police charged Melanie Mitchell, 34, of Ocean View with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance (tier 3 quantity), endangering the welfare of a child, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Vincent Mitchell, 36, of Ocean View was charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.
Melanie and Vincent Mitchell were arraigned by the Justice of The Peace Court 2 and released on their own recognizance pending a preliminary hearing in the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas on July 22, 2022.
Methamphetamine (meth) is a synthetic stimulant that is addictive and can cause considerable health problems that can sometimes result in death said McLaughlin. Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally and is often used with other substances. According to the CDC, 32,856 people died from meth usage in 2021 added McLaughlin.
According to the chief, the principal mission of the OVPD drug enforcement strategy is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug traffickers responsible for selling drugs in the Ocean View area.