Detectives arrest three men following months-long drug investigation in Kent County – Delaware State Police

Delaware State Police arrested 19-year-old Algahgaa Ata23 years Madyan Ataand 52 years old Khaled Ataall of Magnolia, Delaware, on multiple drug charges, concluding a months-long drug investigation in Kent County.

Beginning in November 2023, detectives from the Kent County Drug Unit and Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) began investigating Ali Baba Smoke Shop, located at 2131 South Dupont Highway, Ali Baba 2 Smoke Shop, located at 1534 South Governors Avenue, both in Dover, and Liberty Happy Gas Station, located at 50 West Birdie Lane in Magnolia, for alleged large-scale drug distribution. Throughout the investigation, detectives identified Algahgaa Ata, Maddyan Ata and Khaled Ata as suspects and obtained arrest warrants for them.

On June 11, 2024, detectives conducted a traffic stop near Magnolia and arrested Mr. Ata. During a search of his car, detectives found a loaded handgun, approximately 17 grams of marijuana and $5,915 in suspected drug proceeds.

On June 11, 2024, detectives executed search warrants at businesses and a residence on Ponderosa Drive in Magnolia. During the search, detectives located A. Ata and K. Ata at the Liberty Happy gas station and took them into custody. During the search of the properties, detectives discovered approximately 1,025.32 grams of marijuana and THC products, two handguns and ammunition, drug paraphernalia and $158,523 worth of products. suspected of being drug-related.

Algahgaa Ata was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by the Magistrate of Court 2, and released on $2,000 unsecured bail.

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts

Maddyan Ata was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace in Court 2, and released after posting $30,000 secured bond.

• Possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person who also possesses a controlled substance (felony)
• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 7 counts
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Khaled Ata was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by the Magistrate of Court 2, and released on $2,500 unsecured bail.

• Maintaining Drug Property (Felony)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

View all news articles