More Than 40 Arrested In St. Mary's After Raids

LEONARDTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Authorities in St. Mary's County say they arrested more than 40 people following a series of raids intended to disrupt the drug trade in the county.

The operation was carried out on Thursday and Friday. In addition to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, the FBI was involved.

Authorities say they searched four homes occupied by suspected drug dealers. They recovered drugs, cash and a handgun believed to be stolen during those searches, and eight people were arrested inside the homes.

The man suspected of possessing the gun is 32-year-old Joseph Toney, a convicted felon who also faces drug dealing charges.

Defendants were charged with dealing cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone and other substances. One man, 27-year-old Brian Stapleton, was arrested in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on a warrant from St. Mary's.