Two out-of-state residents arrested on drug charges

Two Pennsylvania residents are facing drug charges following a traffic stop in Millsboro July 8.

The stop occurred abut 6:30 p.m. as a Delaware State Police trooper on patrol in the area of Route 24, just east of Route 5, saw two pedestrians with suitcases walking along the shoulder, said Delaware State Police spokesman Master Cpl. Gary Fournier.

A search of the suitcases revealed nearly a gram of methamphetamine, as well as equipment , component mixtures and key ingredients used in the manufacturing stages of meth. The two suspects, both from Muncy, Pa., also provided false names during the stop, Fournier said.

Christopher A. Biddinger, 28, and Victoria L. Barbati, 21, are both charged with operating a clandestine laboratory, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, second-degree conspiracy, criminal impersonation and possession of drug paraphernalia. They were turned over to the Delaware Department of Corrections in lieu of $23,100 secured bond.

State police were assisted by detectives with the Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. No evacuations or road closures were necessary. No photos of the suspect are available at this time, Fournier said.