Drug-deal tip site in North Conway leads to conviction for heroin possession in Laconia

LACONIA — A local man was sentenced Monday to serve two to seven years in the New Hampshire State Prison for possession of heroin.

Warrie Ward, 46, formerly of 205 Washington St. and later 35A Merrimac St. pleaded guilty Monday on the day his trial was scheduled to begin.

Affidavits for a search warrant indicate police became aware of Ward after receiving an anonymous tip that they later identified as someone from DAMMAD — a North Conway-based tip organization and Website that offers cash for convictions.

Police said they also got another tip that also described what the tipster thought was drug activity on Washington Street and a description of the cars the man usually drove.

Police initially stopped Ward after seeing a car matching the description of the one in the tip and knew it was being driven by a woman Ward was dating. Affidavits indicated police knew both Ward and the driver of the car and that Ward had an outstanding warrant for receiving stolen property.

When they stopped the car, police smelled alcohol and the driver admitted that Ward had just poured a beer out before they were stopped. She also said Ward had a small amount of heroin in his apartment and was a daily user.

Police noticed Ward had a large amount of cash on him, but, after a motion was filed for the return of the money because it was earned by him legitimately. Judge James O'Neill agreed and gave Ward back his money.

Ward was credited with 215 days of pre-trial confinement and ordered to pay a fine of $500 plus $120 in court fees. All of the fine was suspended. He is also ordered to complete substance abuse counseling.