BERLIN -- A joint local, county and federal drug investigation conducted over the last several months has led to the arrests of several local residents allegedly involved in the transportation of a significant amount of marijuana from California to Worcester County.

Members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, along with the Ocean City Narcotics Unit, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this week concluded a six-month marijuana distribution investigation with a significant pot bust.

During the course of the investigation, a suspect identified as Michael Gates, 24, of Bishopville, was monitored as he traveled back and forth from the Redding, Ca. area to Worcester County. Gates is believed to have been facilitating the transportation and shipments of numerous packages of high-grade marijuana from California to Maryland.

During the month of May, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed multiple search and seizure warrants at various residences and a storage facility in the county that Gates used to facilitate his alleged operation. At the conclusion of the investigation, a total of 7.5 pounds of marijuana was seized along with roughly $30,000 in cash.

Gates was arrested and charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held on a $45,000 bond.

 Also arrested was David J. Gates, 28, of Bishopville, who charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. David Gates was ordered to be held on a $35,000 bond.

In addition, Michael T. Herr, 23, of Berlin, was arrested and charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and was ordered to be held on a $5,000 bond. Michael T. Herr, 53, of Berlin, faces the same charges and has been issued a criminal summons.