Impaired And Impounded: Traffic Stop Leads To Drug And Contraband Charges

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Friendship man faces multiple criminal and traffic charges following a traffic stop and subsequent investigation in Calvert County late last month, according to court records.

Derek James Ward, 39, of Friendship, was arrested on Jan. 27, 2026, after deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive driver blocking a lane of travel. Officers located a white Ford F-350 stopped in the roadway and identified Ward as the driver, records show.

During the encounter, deputies conducted standardized field sobriety tests after determining Ward may be impaired. According to the statement of probable cause, officers observed multiple indicators of impairment during the tests, including difficulty maintaining balance, improper turns, and issues following instructions.

Investigators reported that Ward later admitted to taking Suboxone earlier in the day and stated he had also taken Xanax around the same time. Deputies subsequently located suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Additional Suboxone was found on Ward’s person after he was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, records indicate.

Ward was charged with possession of contraband in a place of confinement, a misdemeanor under Maryland law. Additional charges stemming from the traffic stop include driving while impaired by drugs, reckless driving, negligent driving, failure to obey traffic control devices, impeding traffic, and failure to display a driver’s license upon demand.

Authorities noted that Ward refused a breath test and declined to submit to a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation.

Ward was released on his own recognizance following a bail review on Jan. 28, 2026.

Court records show a trial scheduling hearing is set for March 6, 2026, in Calvert District Court.

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