EDGEWATER, Md. (October 5, 2024) – A traffic stop in Edgewater led to a significant drug and firearms seizure, resulting in the arrest of 27-year-old Benjamin William Monias. Detectives from the Southern District initiated the stop on October 2, 2024, at the intersection of Central Avenue and Muddy Creek Road. Monias was driving a white 2016 Ford Fiesta at the time of the stop. During the search of the vehicle, authorities seized approximately 6.6 grams of suspected cocaine and 31 Oxycodone tablets, weighing around 3.2 grams in total. Monias was promptly arrested and charged with drug possession.
Following Monias’ arrest, the investigation expanded, leading to the execution of two search warrants on October 3, 2024, at separate residences in Edgewater and Harwood, Maryland. These searches uncovered a significant cache of firearms and ammunition.
At a residence located in the 1600 block of Bay Ridge Road in Edgewater, law enforcement officers seized a variety of firearms, including:
- Silver, Colt, 1911, .38 caliber handgun
- Black, Llama, 1911, .45 caliber handgun
- Black, Colt, 1911, .45 caliber handgun
- Black, Colt, 1911, .45 caliber Government Model handgun
- Charter Arms, Pathfinder, .22 caliber handgun
- Ruger, Speed 6, .357 Magnum handgun
- German Sport Guns, 1911, .22 caliber handgun slide
- Remington, Model 597, .22 caliber rifle
- UTG Pro, .223 caliber rifle
- Remington, 700 rifle
- P80 handgun lower
- Milled, AR-15 handgun lower
- A large quantity of ammunition
Authorities noted that Monias was legally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. As a result, he faces additional charges related to the possession of these weapons and related ammunition.
In a second search at a residence in the 200 block of South River Clubhouse Road in Harwood, police seized the following firearms:
- Glenfield, Model 60, .22 caliber rifle
- Glock, Model 21, .45 caliber handgun
The nature of the ongoing investigation and the connection between Monias and the Harwood residence remains unclear at this time, but authorities indicated that the investigation is still active and could yield further developments.
Detectives from the Southern District have yet to release additional details regarding the possible sources of the drugs or the firearms. The case has raised concerns about illegal drug trafficking and the proliferation of unregistered firearms within the community.
This arrest comes amid increased efforts by local law enforcement to combat drug-related crimes and remove illegal firearms from the streets. The Southern District detectives have been working closely with other agencies in the region as part of a coordinated strategy to address violent crime and drug-related offenses in Anne Arundel County.
Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the Southern District or submit tips to Crime Stoppers.
