Random marijuana shipments received in Upper Darby

By Mari A. Schaefer, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: April 29, 2011

For the second time in a little more than a week, an unsuspecting Upper Darby resident has received an unusual delivery: a five-pound package of marijuana.

Last week, a couple in their 60s received an unsolicited package delivered by UPS to their Heather Road address, according to Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael J. Chitwood. They opened it and found a brick of marijuana worth about $10,000.

The second delivery came by way of the U.S. Postal Servic to a South Keystone Avenue address. The homeowner was expecting a delivery, but not that one, Chitwood said.

In both cases, the packages came from a fake Arizona address, he said.

"This particular package was wrapped in a heavy blue painter's tape and layers of plastic," Chitwood said of the second delivery. The layers contained vinegar and motor oil to throw off the scent.

"They went through a lot of pain and angst so it wouldn't be disturbed or sniffed out by a dog," Chitwood said.

He said drug dealers apparently are sending the packages to random addresses intending to intercept them before the homeowners get them.

"This is probably around the eighth package that has been sent that way," Chitwood said. The others ranged from five to 20 pounds.

He estimated the street value of two most recent packages of marijuana at about $20,000.

Contact staff writer Mari A. Schaefer at 610-892-9149 or mschaefer@phillynews.com.

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