Drug dealers are a dime a dozen, so in order to stand out they have to do something a little different. At least, that is what accused drug dealer Barnabas Davis seemed to be thinking when he was arrested in Toms River, New Jersey, on Monday, Oct. 20. Police were called to Davis's room at a Ramada Inn because people had reported suspicious activity going on. When they arrived they found Davis — also known as "Hammer" — in possession of 633 wax folds of heroin with the trademark "Ebola" stamped on the plastic.
Packets often have a brand name on them so users know what they are getting.
Ralph Stocco, a Toms River police officer, explained, "Different dealers have different potencies and products. Many times they are labeled with catchy phrases. In the past we have had Bin Laden, Hello Kitty, D.O.A., Twin Towers, 911, gumball, pow, etc."
Apparently, Davis was hoping to capitalize on the Ebola virus fears and offer his customers something that would change their lives just as much as a deadly virus. Officers stressed that the packets do not carry the deadly Ebola virus. Davis was simply looking to get extra attention for the product he was peddling and, well, it worked, right?
Davis was ultimately charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine and possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. He currently sits in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $300,000 bail.
Are you surprised the word "Ebola" is now grabbing headlines in connection to a batch of illegal drugs? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
