Meth, Fentanyl, Guns, More Seized In Bust: Marple Police

MARPLE TOWNSHIP, PA — Police in Marple Township announced charges were filed against a Philadelphia man after an undercover operation and the seizure of fentanyl, ecstasy, meth, firearms, and more.

According to police, Christopher Peter Newby, 32, of Philadelphia, was taken into custody on June 1.

He has been charged with various drug and firearm crimes, as well as receiving stolen property and possession of an instrument of crime.

In early 2022 Marple and Pennsylvania State police along with the Delaware County Drug task force launched a drug investigation into drug trafficking in Marple.

During April and May, an undercover officer made multiple purchases of narcotics in and around Marple as part of the investigation.

The source of the narcotics was identified as Newby, police said.

On June 1, members of the Marple Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police and Delaware County Drug task force, executed a search warrant at Newby’s residence in Philadelphia.

Newby was taken into custody without incident.

Police said searches of his residence and vehicle led authorities to find:

• about 1 pound of methamphetamine;
• about 125 grams of fentanyl;
• about 275 grams of cocaine;
• about 830 wax paper bags containing suspected fentanyl;
• about 135 fentanyl pills;
• about 640 Xanax pills;
• about 35 ecstasy pills;
• crack cocaine;
• drug trafficking paraphernalia;
• about $100,000 in cash;
• a Glock 43, blue/silver firearm;
• a Glock 43, pink/silver firearm that was confirmed to be stolen;
• and a Raven Arms MP-25, silver firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Newby was remanded to Delaware County Prison after failing to post bail.

He is scheduled for a June 15 preliminary hearing.