Get in on the news, from the people who know.
Avenues Recovery Center is a Maryland drug and alcohol addiction treatment center with 15 facilities across 7 U.S. states. If you’re looking for addiction-related news in Maryland, check out our state blog for an informative and enjoyable read. Stay updated with the latest news on everything addiction-related in your area!
A late-night drug bust in Pasadena, Maryland, has resulted in the arrest of a 50-year-old man after Anne Arundel County police officers seized a loaded handgun, nearly 85 grams of suspected cocaine, and other illicit items from his vehicle. The arrest, which took place around 11:55 p.m. on January 13, 2025, came after detectives from the Eastern District observed a suspected drug transaction near Outing Avenue and Duvall Highway in Pasadena. According to The Bay Net, the suspect, identified as Jerome Shelton Johnson from Arnold, Maryland, was seen seated in a silver 1999 Mercedes sedan when officers approached to investigate.
A search of the vehicle revealed a troubling assortment of items, including a loaded .40 caliber Glock handgun with 13 rounds of ammunition, approximately 85 grams of suspected cocaine, and 19 individually wrapped strips of suspected Suboxone. Additionally, officers found a digital scale, commonly associated with drug distribution operations. The items seized during this bust suggest that Johnson may have been involved in the trafficking and distribution of narcotics, with the presence of both the cocaine and the packaging materials pointing to potential sales activity.
Johnson’s criminal history was also a significant factor in the investigation. Police discovered that he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions. As a result, the charges against him are severe, encompassing multiple offenses related to drugs and firearms. These include firearm use in a felony-violent crime, illegal possession of ammunition, and controlled dangerous substances (CDS) offenses, such as possession with intent to distribute, distribution of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
This incident highlights the growing concern over drug-related crime and the presence of illegal firearms in local communities. As law enforcement continues to crack down on these issues, the importance of proactive surveillance and timely intervention becomes ever clearer. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to help prevent further criminal behavior and ensure a safer environment for everyone.
As the case develops, it will be interesting to see whether Johnson faces additional charges or if this bust leads to further arrests in the region. With ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal drug operations and prevent the circulation of dangerous weapons, the Anne Arundel County Police Department continues to work diligently to keep local communities safe.
If you or your loved one are involved in drug use, reach out to Avenues Recovery for help before it’s too late. Our expert staff have tremendous experience in treating addiction, and they can help you change your life for the better. Our rehabs are warm, accepting places where everyone is accepted unconditionally. Our caring staff will guide and support you every step of the way to sobriety. Reach out to us today to begin your journey to the addiction-free future of your dreams.