INCIDENT:  Underage Alcohol and Drug Enforcement-Special Initiative Summary

DATE / TIME:  Saturday,   June 2, 2018, 0500 hrs. to 1300 hrs.

DETAILS:  On Saturday, June 2, 2018, several deputies of the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office were participating in an enforcement initiative targeting underage alcohol and drug violations. This enforcement initiative was intended to reduce availability and consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs by local youth. The initiative was funded by the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, at the request of the Queen Anne’s County Drug-Free Coalition. The initiative was conducted in conjunction graduation week at local high schools.

During this enforcement initiative, deputies conducted stops for traffic offenses on roadways within Queen Anne’s County. As a result of several of those stops, deputies seized a large amount of alcoholic beverages from underage youth, as well as suspected marijuana. A total of 5 civil citations were issued for underage possession of alcohol during this initiative, and one adult arrest was made for possession of marijuana in an amount over 10 grams.

In Maryland, possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21 years of age carries a fine of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for any subsequent offense. Violators of this law may also face sanctions against their Maryland driver’s license. Possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana is a criminal offense in Maryland and carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, and up to a $1,000 fine

The Office of the Sheriff would like to thank the Queen Anne’s County Drug-Free Coalition for asking the County Commissioners to provide funding for these enforcement initiatives, and further thank the County Commissioners for recognizing the dangers to our youth from alcohol or drugs.