WILMINGTON, DE – A months-long multi-agency drug investigation led to the arrest of two women after Delaware State Police seized more than a pound of methamphetamine in New Castle County.
According to the Delaware State Police, 26-year-old Jamiyah Dennis of Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, and 19-year-old Kaliyah Barnes of Newark, Delaware, were taken into custody on September 8, 2025, following an undercover operation by Troop 2’s Drug Task Force.
The investigation began several months ago, with assistance from the Troop 2 Governor’s Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations – Wilmington, and the Delaware County Narcotics Unit. During that time, Dennis sold investigators approximately 310 grams of methamphetamine. Detectives obtained a warrant for her arrest on September 4, 2025.
On September 8, investigators located Dennis in the 100 block of West 41st Street in Wilmington. She arrived on foot carrying a large plastic bag believed to contain narcotics, after being dropped off by Barnes in a Chevrolet Traverse. As troopers approached, Dennis attempted to flee on foot and resisted arrest before being taken into custody. Authorities say she later kicked a trooper while attempting to escape from the patrol vehicle.
A search of her belongings revealed approximately 456 grams (one pound) of suspected methamphetamine.
Barnes was stopped a short time later and arrested without incident. Investigators say she knowingly transported Dennis and was aware she was in possession of narcotics.
Both women were taken to Troop 2 and arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2.
Charges:
Jamiyah Dennis, 26, Boothwyn, PA
- Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity – 7 counts (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
- Resisting Arrest with Force (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Offensive Touching of a Law Enforcement Officer
Dennis was committed to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $212,000 cash bond.
Kaliyah Barnes, 19, Newark, DE
- Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Barnes was committed to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $45,000 cash bond.
