A methamphetamine-dealing operation has been halted with the arrest of a New Holland man.
Lancaster County Drug Task Force charged 43-year-old Marion “Chet” Griffin Jr. with several felonies after a recent raid and street sales that were under police surveillance.
Detectives describe Griffin as an “upper-level” dealer who has been selling meth for at least several months. He was not believed to be manufacturing the meth.
District Judge Raymond Sheller arraigned Griffin Thursday on three criminal dockets and set bail at a combined $3.5 million.
In the event that Griffin can post bail, a proof of funds hearing will be held to determine if the money was obtained in drug sales, according to District Judge Sheller’s order.
The search and charges follow a lengthy hearing which uncovered evidence that Griffin was selling meth out of his former home/business at 808 East Main Street in New Holland, and other locations.
Griffin had recently moved to a camper on Narvon Road in Narvon.
In an Aug. 17 raid there, detectives found 81.3 grams of meth – about 3 ounces – baggies, scales, $1,907 cash, and a Stevens single-shot shotgun.
Griffin is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior felony robbery conviction.
The seized meth has an estimated street value of over $12,000; meth sells for about $150 a gram, according to detectives.
Detectives say meth-dealing is not uncommon in Lancaster County, particularly in the eastern part of the county.
Regarding other charges, Griffin sold .53 grams and 1.24 grams of meth in separate sales in Narvon and New Holland.
In all, Griffin is charged with three counts of possession with intent to deliver, two counts of criminal use of a cellphone, a felony firearms charge, and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia.
Assistant District Attorneys Maria Cusick and Todd Kriner approved filing of the charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright