WILMINGTON, DE — A month-long police investigation into alleged drug trafficking in a central Wilmington neighborhood culminated in a daytime raid this week that led to the arrest of a 20-year-old man and the seizure of a loaded firearm, drugs, and related materials, authorities said.
According to Wilmington Police, members of the department’s Drug, Organized Crime, and Vice Division had been investigating Cornell Clifton since early January in connection with suspected illegal drug sales in the 700 block of East 10th Street. As part of that investigation, officers obtained a search warrant for a residence in the block.
At approximately 11:15 a.m. on January 8, officers executed the warrant and made contact with Clifton, who was taken into custody without incident, police said. During the search, investigators reported recovering a loaded 9mm handgun, ammunition, assorted gun components, about 24.5 grams of marijuana, and drug-packaging paraphernalia, all of which they allege were connected to ongoing criminal activity.
Based on the evidence recovered, Clifton was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, five counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Clifton was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 20 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after bail was set at $61,000 secured.
All charges against Clifton are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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