Two men were arrested Monday afternoon in Takoma Park on drug-related charges following a proactive patrol by police along New Hampshire Avenue.
According to Takoma Park Police Chief Antonio DeVaul, officers encountered two individuals around 2:24pm on April 6 in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue. During the interaction, an officer observed one of the individuals using a stick-like tool to push material into a glass pipe while actively using it.
Officers issued commands for both individuals to place their hands on their heads and remain still. The individual with the pipe, later identified as 63-year-old Luis Obando Landa of Takoma Park, discarded the pipe and related paraphernalia onto the ground. A search incident to arrest led to the recovery of suspected controlled dangerous substances, not marijuana, along with other items of evidentiary value. While taking Landa into custody, officers also noticed a red backpack positioned between his legs. A search of the backpack uncovered multiple suspected controlled dangerous substances and drug-related items in quantities consistent with intent to distribute. The items were seized and impounded.
Officers also made contact with the second individual, identified as 39-year-old Jose Martinez-Callejas, who was listed as having no fixed address. A records check revealed he had an outstanding warrant through the Montgomery County Police Department. He was taken into custody without incident. Both men were transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit and charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and warrant service.
