Pill Pop Panic: 283 Oxy Pills, Cash And Blade Seized In Calvert County

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Prince Frederick man is facing felony drug distribution charges after Calvert County narcotics investigators seized more than 280 suspected oxycodone pills, cash and a concealed switchblade during a traffic stop earlier this month.

Randal Nathan Linett, 66, of Prince Frederick, was charged Feb. 12, 2026, with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (not cannabis) and carrying a concealed dangerous weapon, according to court records.

The charges stem from a traffic stop conducted at approximately 10 a.m. on Feb. 12 along Solomons Island Road near Cox Road.

According to the statement of probable cause, a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit detective observed Linett driving a white Ford Econoline pickup truck northbound when he was seen holding an orange prescription pill bottle with an obliterated label. Investigators stated Linett removed a pill from the bottle and swallowed it while stopped at a traffic signal before driving away.

The detective initiated a traffic stop on Solomons Island Road near Federal Oak Drive. During contact, Linett initially stated the bottle contained heart medication but later produced a second prescription bottle from his jacket pocket with a rattling sound consistent with pills. Linett advised he had taken a pain pill from the bottle and acknowledged he was not currently prescribed pain medication.

Inside the prescription bottles, investigators located multiple varieties of suspected oxycodone pills in different dosages. Pills recovered included various round tablets marked “M 05 52,” “K8,” “M 10,” “V 48 12,” “K9,” and “A 51,” commonly associated with oxycodone hydrochloride in strengths ranging from 5 mg to 30 mg.

During a search of Linett’s person, detectives located U.S. currency in various denominations. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded additional pills inside another prescription bottle, a spring-loaded switchblade knife with a green handle and a Google cellular phone.

Authorities reported seizing approximately 283.5 suspected oxycodone pills in total. The estimated street value of the pills was approximately $5,477.50, based on common street pricing of about $1 per milligram. Investigators also seized $1,403 in cash, which was reportedly folded in multiple separate stacks — a method officers noted is consistent with drug distribution practices.

Based on the quantity of pills, packaging and the amount and manner of the seized currency, detectives determined the substances were not consistent with personal use.

Linett was arrested and charged accordingly. He was initially held in default of $5,000 bond, which was posted the same day.

A trial — officer scheduling hearing is set for March 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Calvert District Court, Courtroom 1.

---