Calvert County Traffic Stop Uncovers 1.1 Kilos Of Cocaine, Suspect Accused Of Assaulting Deputy

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A routine traffic stop in Calvert County escalated into a major drug seizure after deputies uncovered more than a kilogram of suspected cocaine and reported the driver assaulted a deputy during the encounter.

Richard Rayondo Harris, 50, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested April 28, 2026, following the stop along Solomons Island Road, according to charging documents.

Investigators say a deputy initially observed Harris driving a gold Dodge minivan while using a cellphone and noticed the vehicle’s license plate was partially obscured — a tactic authorities say is sometimes used to avoid detection.

After pulling the vehicle over, deputies reported Harris gave inconsistent statements about his destination, at one point saying he was meeting his daughter before later mentioning plans to travel to MGM National Harbor. His behavior during the stop raised further suspicion, according to the report.

A K-9 unit was deployed and alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. During a search, authorities located a brick-like package containing approximately 1,158 grams (about 1.1 kilograms) of suspected cocaine — more than 2.4 pounds — along with $1,075 in cash and a cellphone.

When deputies attempted to remove Harris from the vehicle, he allegedly refused to comply and grabbed a deputy’s arm before being restrained and taken into custody, leading to additional charges.

Harris is charged with possession of a large amount of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a narcotic, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, second-degree assault, and obstructing and hindering.

He was held without bond following a bail review hearing on April 29, 2026, before Judge Andrea R. S. Watkins in Calvert District Court.

A preliminary hearing is set for May 28, 2026, in Calvert District Court.

Under Maryland law, possession with intent to distribute narcotics carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Possession of a large quantity of cocaine can result in enhanced penalties, while second-degree assault carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years.

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