Two Wilmington men, Marcus Warren and Donavan McGriff, were arrested on March 10 for allegedly possessing firearms and more than 400 grams of fentanyl, according to a statement released on Mar. 16.
The case is significant due to the large quantity of fentanyl involved and the presence of illegal firearms, including a so-called “ghost gun” with no serial number. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has been linked to numerous overdose deaths nationwide.
According to court documents, Warren and McGriff, both age 35, were under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD). Law enforcement officers executed search warrants on March 10 for both men, their residences in Wilmington, and McGriff’s car. Both suspects were in the car at the time of the search, which led to the discovery of over 400 grams of fentanyl pills. A search of Warren’s residence uncovered about one kilogram of suspected fentanyl and three guns—including a privately made firearm without a serial number—while an additional gun was found at McGriff’s residence.
Warren faces charges for possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and up to life imprisonment. McGriff is charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and could face up to fifteen years if convicted. Actual sentences are typically less than maximum penalties; sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and DEA Philadelphia Field Division Special Agent in Charge Thomas Hodnett announced the arrests. The DEA and NCCPD investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin B. Smith.
Officials remind that these charges are accusations only; both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
