NEW CASTLE, DE — A routine traffic stop in a New Castle neighborhood escalated into a major narcotics investigation Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of two local men and the seizure of significant quantities of suspected illegal drugs, according to the New Castle County Police.
Detectives assigned to the Active Crime Trends Team said they were conducting proactive patrols in the Wilton Boulevard corridor on February 3, 2026, at approximately 2:55 p.m., when they initiated a traffic stop on a white Nissan Altima on Ridley Court for a traffic violation.
Police identified the driver as Marcus Crawford, 37, of New Castle, and the passenger as Keenan Black, 25, also of New Castle. Investigators allege they determined Crawford was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
Based on information developed during the stop, detectives said they established probable cause to search the vehicle. During that search, police allege they recovered 98 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl, approximately 14 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and about 139 grams of marijuana. Detectives also reported seizing suspected drug paraphernalia and cash believed to be proceeds from illegal narcotics activity.
Both men were taken into custody and transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters for processing.
Crawford was charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, Tier 2; two felony counts of possession with intent to deliver, Tier 2; one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia; one misdemeanor count of driving while suspended or revoked; and a traffic violation for failure to signal continuously. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $19,102 secured bail.
Black was charged with one felony count of possession of a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana other than personal use. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released after posting $5,100 secured bail.
All charges outlined by police are allegations. As with all criminal cases, a suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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