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More Than One Kilo Of Cocaine Recovered During Record-Breaking Maryland Seizure, Sheriff Says

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office made its largest fentanyl seizure in history during an ongoing investigation into drug dealing in the region, officials said.

Willis Matthews Brooks, James William Blackiston III, and Jasmine Samaria Votra.

Willis Matthews Brooks, James William Blackiston III, and Jasmine Samaria Votra.

Photo Credit: St. Mary's County Sheriff
Willis Matthews Brooks, James William Blackiston III, and Jasmine Samaria Votra.

Willis Matthews Brooks, James William Blackiston III, and Jasmine Samaria Votra.

Photo Credit: St. Mary's County Sheriff
More than a kilo of cocaine was recovered during the record-breaking bust in St. Mary's County.

More than a kilo of cocaine was recovered during the record-breaking bust in St. Mary's County.

Photo Credit: St. Mary's County Sheriff
The seized cash and drugs.

The seized cash and drugs.

Photo Credit: St. Mary's County Sheriff
Willis Matthews Brooks, James William Blackiston III, and Jasmine Samaria Votra.

Willis Matthews Brooks, James William Blackiston III, and Jasmine Samaria Votra.

Photo Credit: St. Mary's County Sheriff

James William Blackiston III, 31, Jasmine Samaria Votra, 36, and Willis Matthews Brooks, 43, all of Great Mills, were all arrested after being busted with more than a kilogram of cocaine on Thursday night.

Shortly before 7:15 p.m. on Aug. 8, deputies conducted search and seizure warrants at two count residences, leading to the record-breaking fentanyl seizure.

According to the St. Mary's County Sherif's Office, during a search of a home in the 22000 block of Towey Court in Great Mills officers recovered a cache of drugs, including 1,057.81 grams of fentanyl and 294.13 grams of cocaine.

They also seized "significant quantities of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and controlled prescription medications, along with $9,740 in (cash), a digital scale, packaging materials, a shotgun, and four cell phones." 

A concurrent search at a home in the 20000 block of Ridge Road in Lexington Park resulted in the recovery of cash, a digital scale, a cell phone, and drug paraphernalia.

Blackiston, Votra, and Brooks were each charged with four counts of CDS: Possession of not cannabis and possession with intent to distribute. 

Blackiston and Votra were also charged with CDS: Possession of a large amount of fentanyl, and Brooks was charged with possession of a firearm with a drug trafficking crime connection.

“This is the largest seizure of fentanyl ever made in St. Mary’s County," Sheriff Steve Hall said. "It points to the scope of the problem we face daily to keep our community safe from this dangerous and deadly substance. 

"The investigation and seizure are a testament to the level of commitment our deputies have to continue this fight against crime.”

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