Nine Heroin Dealers Indicted in Annapolis Drug Sweep

In response to a jump in heroin overdoses that began in late 2013, authorities on Tuesday said nine heroin dealers in Annapolis have been indicted through a months-long undercover investigation.

The Annapolis Police Department announced the indictments that involved undercover police officers buying narcotics from drug dealers.

In response to an increase in heroin overdoses, detectives from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Annapolis Police Department in October 2013. Through their investigations, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office learned that drug users were buying heroin in Annapolis, according to a news release.

The Annapolis Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit identified two groups responsible for the majority of heroin distributed in the city. Annapolis detectives worked with Calvert County Sheriff’s detectives to make over 50 heroin purchases, with more than 100 grams of heroin seized.

The indictments, resulting from these buys, will disrupt these illegal drug trafficking groups in Annapolis, police said in a statement. 

Those indicted are:

• Kelly Bowers, 24, of Annapolis
• Richard Naylor, 21, of Arnold
• Rishard Naylor, 22, of Annapolis. Naylor is currently incarcerated in Calvert County.
• Sadie Phillips, 19, of Annapolis
• Adrian Williams, 27, of Annapolis. Williams is currently incarcerated with the Department of Corrections.

Four others were indicted and their names will be released in the coming days.

In addition, two juveniles were charged in this initiative: A 17-year-old from Annapolis and a 17-year-old from Arnold. One other juvenile will also be charged as a result of the sweep.

In the first five months of 2014, the Annapolis Police Department has made 130 arrests for possession of heroin, cocaine, and opiates, compared to 81 arrests during the same months in 2013. A total of 510 people have been arrested on drug-related charges during the investigation.

There were six fatal overdoses caused by heroin in 2013 in Annapolis, and one in 2014, authorities said. There have also been 22 non-fatal heroin overdoses reported so far this year. In March, Anne Arundel County announced plans to have its officers carry and administer Narcan through a nasal spray. The drug has been successful in treating overdoses of heroin and other opiates; it reverses the effects of an overdose, restoring normal breathing.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department noticed an increase in heroin overdoses last summer in the southern portion of the county, including Annapolis, Parole, and Edgewater.

“I am thankful for our law enforcement partnerships and the excellent results of this investigation,” said Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop. “Illegal drugs affect our community in many ways. Drug dealers ply their trade in communities, leading to violence and other crime increases throughout the city.”

"This multi-agency drug initiative is responsible for getting heroin off the street, dealers behind bars, and creating a safer place for all Annapolis residents," Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides said. "I applaud the law enforcement agencies and departments involved for their diligence in fighting crime in our city."

The Annapolis Police Department urges residents to report drug activity by calling 410-268-4141 when they see it. Anonymous tips can be called into 410-280-CLUE (2583).  In an emergency dial 9-1-1.