DEA Turn Over Keys of Seized Building to Local Community
MAR 9 -- Carl J. Kotowski, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Baltimore District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration joined federal law enforcement partners on Thursday, March 9, 2006, in Salisbury, MD to hand over to local officials a building seized in a recent drug operation.
The property, located at 501 E. Church Street, was seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service as part of a joint operation into the drug distribution activities of Ronald “Pee Wee” Seldon. The building will now serve as a new Neighborhood Services Department and police substation.
"Anytime assets seized as part of a drug operation can be returned to a local community, it is a really good day," said Kotowski. "I am proud that the DEA could play a part in seeing that this once drug-filled property will now be used for a good purpose."
Mayor Barrie Tilghman’s spokesman Councilman Dunn stated “this is a wonderful event for the city of Salisbury.”
To date, the investigation has resulted in the arrest of 8 individuals, and the seizure of approximately 3,335 grams of cocaine base, 10,704 grams of cocaine HCL, 10,737 grams of marijuana and $324,091 in cash. Over $500,000 worth of jewelry, automobiles and real estate were also seized in the operation.
The case was a cooperative effort under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program operation “CATWALK” between the DEA Baltimore District Office, Internal Revenue Service, FBI, Maryland State Police, Salisbury Police, and the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Angela White prosecuted the case.
