Ralph Rhoades, 42, Smyrna
Smyrna Police Department detectives recently culminated a several months long drug investigation with a search warrant and arrest. Over the last several months, investigators identified Ralph Rhoades, 42 of Smyrna as a drug dealer operating out of his home in the 600 block of Lexington Avenue. Smyrna Police detectives obtained a search and seizure warrant for the property, and on 5/10/22 Smyrna PD SWAT with the assistance of Delaware division of alcohol and tobacco enforcement (DATE), Kent County paramedics and DEA-Dover task force executed this warrant. Mr. Rhoades was taken into custody without incident inside of the residence. 2 juveniles were also found in the residence, and they were released to responsible guardians. During the search, officers located the following evidence:
-28.6 grams of methamphetamine
-82.6 grams of powder cocaine
-228 grams of marijuana
-35 Dextroamphetamine pills
-3 MDMA doses
-Over $2,400 USC of suspected drug proceeds
-2 firearms the defendant is prohibited from possessing along with several rounds of ammunition
Mr. Rhoades was presented to Justice of the Peace court #2 via video phone on the following charges: Possession of firearm during commission of felony, 4 counts of Possession with intent to deliver narcotics, 2 counts possession of controlled substance in tier 3 quantity, 2 counts possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, maintaining a drug property and multiple other counts to include endangering the welfare of a child.
Mr. Rhoades was committed to the Department of Corrections in lieu of $302,000 cash bond pending a future court hearing. The Smyrna Police Department would like to thank the DEA-Dover task force, DATE and Kent Co. paramedics for their assistance in this investigation.