Police Make Marijuana Bust in James City

By Sam Thrift Friday, October 21, 2011

James City County Police arrested a 22-year-old James City County resident Wednesday for possession with intent to distribute and transportation of marijuana after the suspect accepted a package of drugs undercover Tri-Rivers Drug Taskforce Agents delivered.

Darek Monte Canaday was at a home in the 200 block of Jolly Pond Road waiting for 17 pounds of marijuana that was en route through the mail from Texas, according to Major Steve Rubino of the James City Police. Canaday did not live at the residence where the drugs were delivered, but knows the family who lives there. A Newport News Police Department drug interdiction dog found the package at an undisclosed mailing location, which led the police to obtain a warrant and confirm the dog’s indication.

Undercover Tri-Rivers agents delivered the package to the suspect, who took the package into the house, according to Rubino. When Canaday later tried to drive away with the package he was arrested.

The suspect was charged with transporting drugs into Virginia and possession with intent to distribute more than 5 pounds of marijuana.

“In the grand scheme of things it’s not a huge amount, but it is significant,” Rubino said. “People don’t have 17 pounds of marijuana laying around for personal use.”

According to Rubino, the street value for the drugs Canaday had in his possession totaled $76,160.

Canaday is being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail without bond. His next day in court is Nov. 1.