DURHAM, NC (Monday, March 11, 2024) – Over the weekend, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Anti-Crime and Narcotics Unit (SAC/Narc) seized a large amount of drugs in two separate cases.
On the evening of Friday, March 8th investigators, acting on a tip about drug activity in the area, went to the 200 block of Commons Blvd. There they executed a search warrant at the apartment of Marcel Barnes, age 69. Inside they located approximately 50 grams of cocaine, 12 grams of Heroin, and close to $2000 in cash. Barnes, who is on parole from previous federal charges, was also in possession of a handgun.
He was taken into custody without incident on charges of:
Trafficking in Cocaine
Trafficking Opium or Heroin
Possession of Firearm by Felon
Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS
PWISD Cocaine
PWIMSD Heroin
Barnes was seen by a magistrate and given a $250,000 secured bond. He was scheduled to make a first appearance this morning.
In a separate incident, on the morning of Sunday, March 10, 2024, SAC/Narc investigators working as part of an ongoing investigation into drug smuggling stopped a 2023 Toyota Camry for speeding on I-40 near S. Miami Blvd. Durham County Sheriff’s Office K9 “Vadar” positively indicated that an illegal substance was present and when a search of the vehicle was conducted investigators located 62 lbs. of marijuana.
As a direct result, Marcus Darren Pouge, 30 of Cotuit, Massachusetts, was arrested and taken to the Durham County Detention Center on the charge of Trafficking in Marijuana. He is currently being held without the benefit of bond.
“Once again, we thank the people of Durham County for letting us know about criminal activity in our community,” said Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead. “Without our residents and law enforcement working together we cannot tackle drug and gun problems in our neighborhoods.”
Anyone with information on drug or other criminal activity may call the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at 919-560-0940 or 911 in an emergency.
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