A 41-year-old New Castle man is behind bars after Delaware State Police say he resisted arrest and attempted to tamper with evidence during a cocaine distribution sting on June 29, 2026.
The Delaware State Police Special Investigations Unit began building a case against John Dupree II in early June 2026, after receiving a tip that he was moving large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine across both New Castle and Kent counties. Through their investigation, detectives learned Dupree had plans to carry out another major drug transaction on June 29 at Beaver Brook Plaza in New Castle.
Shortly before 4 p.m. that afternoon, detectives spotted Dupree pulling into the shopping center and parking his vehicle. When officers moved in and ordered him to step out, Dupree refused. He repeatedly reached around inside the vehicle and ignored commands from troopers. Officers eventually forced entry into the vehicle and took Dupree into custody without any further struggle.
A search of the vehicle turned up approximately 127 grams of suspected powder cocaine. Investigators also determined that Dupree had tampered with the suspected drugs during the standoff while refusing to comply with officers’ orders.
Dupree was transported to Troop 3, where he was formally charged, arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court, and committed to the Department of Correction on a $51,100 cash bond.
He faces the following charges:
- Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
- Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony)
- Resisting Arrest
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
