Sniffed Out: Suspected Meth And Syringes Found During Stop In Calvert County

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — An Owings man was arrested after a traffic stop in Dunkirk led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to court documents filed in Calvert County.

Christopher Allen Gasch, 45, of Owings, is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors under Maryland law.

According to the statement of probable cause, on Jan. 30, 2026, at approximately 9:37 p.m., a Calvert County Sheriff’s deputy observed a silver Nissan Murano traveling on Wilson Road. A records check revealed that the registered owner, identified as Gasch, had suspended driving privileges in Maryland.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Wilson Road and Dares Beach Road. Gasch was identified as the driver. A female passenger was also in the vehicle. Authorities reported that Gasch appeared to have an elevated demeanor and was reaching around the vehicle’s interior, prompting the deputy to request that he exit the vehicle.

A K9 unit conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle, and the dog alerted to the odor of controlled dangerous substances. During a subsequent search, deputies located a black backpack on the floor behind the driver’s seat. Inside a small black pouch within the backpack, deputies recovered a small flashlight, a glass vial containing white powder residue suspected to be methamphetamine, a blue elastic band, several square-shaped pieces of construction paper, and six unused hypodermic syringes.

While continuing the search, deputies located a towel between the passenger seat and center console. Inside the towel was a folded piece of construction paper containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine. The suspected narcotics were seized and submitted to the Maryland State Police Forensic Laboratory for testing and confirmation.

According to court documents, Gasch admitted the contents of the black pouch were his and acknowledged prior methamphetamine use. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center for processing. Body-worn camera footage captured the encounter, according to the report.

In addition to the drug-related charges, Gasch was cited for multiple traffic violations, including driving on a suspended license and operating a vehicle without required authorization.

Court records show Gasch was released on his own recognizance on Jan. 31, 2026. A trial officer scheduling hearing is set for March 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Calvert District Court, Courtroom 1.

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