Laurel Police Make Arrests in Drug Case

The Laurel Police Department has charged two men  with possession of marijuana in a case that has become a public nuisance for area residents, according to police.

Joshua Thomas Walker, 21, of Laurel and Joseph Frankfort Locke, 18, of Laurel were arrested on Feb. 17 and charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after police raided their home along the 100 block of Ninth Street and discovered a quarter of a pound of marijuana and a large quantity of drug paraphernalia.  

Police Chief Richard McLaughlin said that residents in the area began to complain about the activity in the area, prompting a police investigation.  He stopped short of specifying if more arrests would come as a result of the bust.

According to court records, Walker has had a series of drug possession charges since 2008 in both Prince George's and Howard Counties.  His last arrest was in 2009 for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.  He pled not guilty to the charges in court. Locke has previously been charged with traffic violations for driving with a suspended license. 

Residents who would like to report suspicious activity or a crime should contact the Laurel Police Department Tip Line at 301-498-7645.