The Newark Police Department Street Crimes Unit has been investigating drug sales in the Newark area.
During the investigation, one of the suspects was identified as Eliel Cruz-Castillo, 40, of New Castle.
On December 5, 2022, Cruz-Castillo was observed in an active drug transaction outside of a residence in Wilmington. Cruz-Castillo was taken into custody by Newark Police officers without incident.
A search warrant was then executed at Cruz-Castillo’s residence in New Castle and on a vehicle he possessed. During the course of the searches, officers seized more than 14 grams of crack cocaine, marijuana, drug packaging and United States currency.
Cruz-Castillo was transported to Newark Police headquarters where he was charged with:
- Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity
- Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (6 counts stemming from various identified drug sale transactions)
- Conspiracy Second Degree
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Marijuana
Cruz-Castillo appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $5,650 secured bail. Cruz-Castillo was turned over to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.
