Tag:

Drug Trafficking

Luxury Cars, $99K+, 8 Kilos Of Cocaine Seized In Massive NJ-PA-DE Drug Bust Luxury Cars, $99K+, 8 Kilos Of Cocaine Seized In Massive NJ-PA-DE Drug Bust
Luxury Cars, $99K+, 8 Kilos Of Cocaine Seized In Massive Nj-pa-de Drug Bust A months-long undercover operation spanning Pennsylvania and New Jersey led to the arrest of six men accused of running a major cocaine trafficking ring, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced on Tuesday, March 18. Dubbed "Operation Spark Plug," the investigation was spearheaded by the Delaware County Narcotics Task Force with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, Delaware State Police, the Camden County, New Jersey District Attorney’s Office, the DEA, and the FBI. Authorities seized over 8 kilograms of cocaine, nearly $100,000 in cash, multiple luxury vehicle…
67 Pounds Of Weed Seized As Pennsylvania Man Busted For Firearm Trafficking At JFK: DA 67 Pounds Of Weed Seized As Pennsylvania Man Busted For Firearm Trafficking At JFK: DA
67 Pounds Of Weed Seized As Pennsylvania Man Busted For Firearm Trafficking At JFK: DA A man accused of fueling gun violence through illegal firearm sales was caught smuggling 67 pounds of marijuana at JFK Airport, authorities announced on Monday, March 17. Ian Diaz-Reales, 27, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was arrested on March 2 while attempting to board an outbound flight with the massive drug stash, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office. Diaz-Reales had already been wanted for allegedly purchasing multiple firearms and illegally funneling them to criminals involved in drug trafficking, gang activity, and violence, authorities said. The Berks County Gun Viol…
Man Ran Sex Trafficking, Armed Robbery Ring At Maryland Motel, Police Say Man Ran Sex Trafficking, Armed Robbery Ring At Maryland Motel, Police Say
Man Ran Sex Trafficking, Armed Robbery Ring At Maryland Motel, Police Say A Baltimore man known on the streets as “RoFo” is behind bars after allegedly trafficking women, robbing his victims—sometimes at gunpoint—and running a prostitution ring out of a Maryland motel, authorities announced. Robert Bennett Jr., 27, was charged with 47 total counts of sex trafficking, prostitution, armed robbery, theft, and weapons violations in connection to a two-month crime spree at the Terrace Motel in Elkridge, according to the Howard County Police Department. He is being held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center. Detectives launched an investigation into Benne…
Dealer Who Used Middlemen To Move Drugs In Maryland Learns Prison Fate: DOJ Dealer Who Used Middlemen To Move Drugs In Maryland Learns Prison Fate: DOJ
Dealer Who Used Middlemen To Move Drugs In Maryland Learns Prison Fate: DOJ A Westminster drug dealer who ran a cocaine and fentanyl distribution network while trying to stay under the radar has been sentenced to decades in prison, authorities announced. Samar Lorenzo Williams was sentenced to 90 years, with all but 40 years suspended, in Carroll County Circuit Court after being convicted on multiple counts related to the distribution of controlled dangerous substances, according to the Carroll County Drug Task Force. Williams, who prosecutors say used others to distribute drugs to avoid getting caught, was convicted by a jury in January following an extensive inve…
Drug Kingpin With 1,700+ Fentanyl Pills Gets Prison Time In Maryland Drug Kingpin With 1,700+ Fentanyl Pills Gets Prison Time In Maryland
Drug Kingpin With 1,700+ Fentanyl Pills Gets Prison Time In Maryland A Maryland man who ran a large-scale drug operation that funneled fentanyl through Southern Maryland will spend the next five decades behind bars. John Thomas Hess, 33, of St. Inigoes, was sentenced to 85 years in prison, with 50 years of active incarceration, for the importation and distribution of fentanyl, St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced. Hess led an extensive drug trafficking network, with investigators seizing over 1,700 fentanyl-laced pills.  Prosecutors made note that even two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, meaning the amount Hess possessed ha…
Ex-Olympian Accused Of Ordering Murders Added To FBI's Most Wanted List Ex-Olympian Accused Of Ordering Murders Added To FBI's Most Wanted List
Ex-Olympian Accused Of Ordering Murders Added To FBI's Most Wanted List In a stunning fall from grace, a former once celebrated for his prowess on the slopes, now finds himself at the center of a chilling manhunt. Accused of orchestrating a deadly drug trafficking operation that spans continents, Ryan Wedding, age 43, has been placed on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, joining the ranks of the most notorious criminals in America.
 Once an icon of athleticism, Wedding now faces serious allegations, including multiple murders linked to his alleged drug empire.  As authorities intensify their search, a $10 million reward has been offered for informat…
Guns, Cocaine, High-Capacity Mags Seized From Suspected Dealer In Maryland: Sheriff Guns, Cocaine, High-Capacity Mags Seized From Suspected Dealer In Maryland: Sheriff
Guns, Cocaine, High-Capacity Mags Seized From Suspected Dealer In Maryland: Sheriff A Frederick man is facing a laundry list of charges after police say they caught him with drugs, loaded guns, and high-capacity magazines—some of it allegedly within a school zone. Ezra Malik Smith, 24, was taken into custody on Tuesday, February 25, after a raid at a home in the 800 block of Motter Avenue, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office officials announced. Deputies from the Narcotics Investigations Section, working alongside Frederick City Police, executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession, they said. During the bus…
Fentanyl, Cocaine Seized From Felon During Raid In Southern Maryland: Sheriff Fentanyl, Cocaine Seized From Felon During Raid In Southern Maryland: Sheriff
Fentanyl, Cocaine Seized From Felon During Raid In Southern Maryland: Sheriff A convicted felon is back behind bars after deputies in St. Mary’s County seized a stash of drugs, cash, and a loaded “ghost gun” during a major raid in Great Mills, authorities said. Daiquan Malik Barnett, 28, of Great Mills, was arrested Wednesday, Feb. 26, after deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, along with federal agents executed search warrants at a residence in the 22000 block of Baja Lane and several vehicles. Barnett, already banned from owning firearms due to previous felony convictions, now faces a slew of new charges after inves…
Former Maryland State Trooper Admits To Conspiring To Sell Informant Info To Drug Traffickers Former Maryland State Trooper Admits To Conspiring To Sell Informant Info To Drug Traffickers
Former Maryland State Trooper Admits To Conspiring To Sell Informant Info To Drug Traffickers A former Maryland State Trooper is facing years in federal prison after admitting he tried to sell sensitive law enforcement information to a drug trafficking organization. Justin Riggs, 35, of Smithsburg, pleaded guilty this week to multiple federal charges, according to the US Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland. Specifically, Riggs pleaded guilty to:  Conspiracy to distribute and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances; Use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating the conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous…
257 Pounds Of Illegal Opium Poppy Pods Seized At Dulles Airport: CBP 257 Pounds Of Illegal Opium Poppy Pods Seized At Dulles Airport: CBP
257 Pounds Of Illegal Opium Poppy Pods Seized At Dulles Airport: CBP It may be harvest season in Spain, but US Customs and Border Protection officers made sure a massive shipment of illegal goods never took root in the US. CBP officials announced that officers at Washington Dulles International Airport intercepted more than 250 pounds of opium poppy pods that arrived last week in 81 separate air cargo shipments from Madrid, Spain. Disguised as “ornamental decora craft balls,” the poppy pods—often used to make highly addictive and dangerous “poppy tea”—were headed to multiple addresses across the country. On Friday, Feb. 21, CBP officers seized 35 parcels o…
Dealer Busted With $100K+ Cash, Cocaine In Southern Maryland, Sheriff Says Dealer Busted With $100K+ Cash, Cocaine In Southern Maryland, Sheriff Says
Dealer Busted With $100K+ Cash, Cocaine In Southern Maryland, Sheriff Says A 65-year-old Lexington Park man is behind bars after deputies found nearly 100 grams of cocaine, a loaded shotgun, and more than $100,000 in cash during a drug investigation, authorities said. James Allen Chase was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 6, following an ongoing investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Vice Narcotics Unit, officials said. Deputies initiated a traffic stop on Great Mills Road, where they executed a search warrant on Chase’s vehicle, uncovering over 10 individual bags of suspected cocaine, $400 in cash, and drug-related items. Meanwhile, investigators from…
Officer Exposed To Fentanyl During Chase With Dealer In Maryland: Police Officer Exposed To Fentanyl During Chase With Dealer In Maryland: Police
Officer Exposed To Fentanyl During Chase With Dealer In Maryland: Police A high-stakes drug bust in Hagerstown took a chaotic turn when a Maryland man took off running, tossing suspected fentanyl capsules into the air—and onto a pursuing officer, authorities said. The Washington County Narcotics Task Force was conducting surveillance on Feb. 4 when they spotted suspicious activity indicating a possible drug distribution operation, officials said.  They called in Hagerstown Police, who stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and identified the driver as Wesley Antonio Fulgham, 35, of Baltimore, and the passenger as Levar Atturra Octavion Cooper, 30, of Han…
US, Mexico Reach Deal To Delay 25% Tariffs US, Mexico Reach Deal To Delay 25% Tariffs
US, Mexico Reach Deal To Delay 25% Tariffs Mexico and the US have reached an agreement to delay steep tariffs that were set to take effect on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Click here for a new, updated story: Proposed 25% US Tariff On Canadian Goods Will Be Paused After Earlier Deal With Mexico Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the deal Monday morning, Feb 3. It will pause the 25 percent levies for a month, and follows negotiations between Mexican officials and the Trump administration on border security and drug trafficking.  Mexico committed to deploy 10,000 troops dedicated to stopping illegal drugs and migrants from…
Canadian Hockey Fans Boo US National Anthem After Tariffs Ordered Canadian Hockey Fans Boo US National Anthem After Tariffs Ordered
Canadian Hockey Fans Boo US National Anthem After Tariffs Ordered In a striking display of discontent, Canadian hockey fans booed the US national anthem during NHL games, expressing their displeasure hours after President Donald Trump's newly imposed tariffs on Canadian goods went into effect on Saturday, Feb. 1.  This reaction underscores the growing tension between the two neighboring countries. At the Ottawa Senators game against the visiting Minnesota Wild, fans jeered during "The Star-Spangled Banner," signaling their frustration with the US administration's trade policies.  Similarly, in Calgary, spectators at a Flames game against the De…
Lexus, Tow Truck Forfeited By Baltimore County Woman Distributing Coke In Maryland: Prosecutors Lexus, Tow Truck Forfeited By Baltimore County Woman Distributing Coke In Maryland: Prosecutors
Lexus, Tow Truck Forfeited By Baltimore County Woman Distributing Coke In Maryland: Prosecutors A Reisterstown woman facing serious drug charges in Carroll County pleaded guilty in connection to a large-scale cocaine distribution operation, authorities said. Melissa Dawn Smith, 42, of Reisterstown, admitted to a single count of distributing cocaine during a hearing on Friday, Jan. 10, in Carroll County Circuit Court.  The charges stem from a criminal investigation by the Carroll County Drug and Firearms Trafficking Task Force, which targeted a drug trafficking ring operating out of both Baltimore and Carroll counties. Investigators say Smith was indicted after she distributed co…
Eastern Shore Drug Ring Crumbled: Cocaine, Fentanyl, And Firearms Seized: Maryland State Police Eastern Shore Drug Ring Crumbled: Cocaine, Fentanyl, And Firearms Seized: Maryland State Police
Eastern Shore Drug Ring Crumbled: Cocaine, Fentanyl, And Firearms Seized: Maryland State Police Nearly 40 people accused of running a large-scale drug-trafficking ring on Maryland’s Eastern Shore were indicted following a massive five-month investigation by local, state, and federal law enforcement, authorities announced. The operation, led by Wicomico Narcotics—a collaboration between the Maryland State Police, Fruitland Police Department, Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration—dismantled a network accused of distributing cocaine, fentanyl, and other drugs across Wicomico, Dorchester, and Baltimore counties. Search warrants executed in Augu…
Felon Running Drug Operation From Luxury Baltimore Apartment Linked To China Suppliers: Feds Felon Running Drug Operation From Luxury Baltimore Apartment Linked To China Suppliers: Feds
Felon Running Drug Operation From Luxury Baltimore Apartment Linked To China Suppliers: Feds A convicted felon living in a luxury Baltimore apartment was found guilty of possessing fentanyl and firearms, including a "ghost gun," in connection with drug trafficking, federal officials announced Monday. Ryan E. Dales, 36, was convicted on multiple charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, after a four-day trial in Baltimore, authorities said on Dec. 9. According to evidence presented at trial, Dales operated a drug trafficking operation out of his residence…
Deputies Bust Six In Major Maryland I-70 Drug Trafficking Stop, Sheriff Says Deputies Bust Six In Major Maryland I-70 Drug Trafficking Stop, Sheriff Says
Deputies Bust Six In Major Maryland I-70 Drug Trafficking Stop, Sheriff Says A traffic stop on I-70 turned into a major bust when Frederick County Sheriff's deputies recovered a loaded handgun and significant quantities of cocaine and heroin, leading to the arrest of six people. On Thursday, Dec. 5, around 9:12 p.m., deputies stopped a Volkswagen Routan near Monocacy Boulevard for equipment and moving violations, officials said.  Upon spotting drug paraphernalia in plain view, officers searched the vehicle and its six occupants, uncovering a loaded .45 caliber pistol, 264 grams of suspected cocaine, 100 grams of suspected heroin, and additional paraphernalia. …
Drug Bust In MD Leads To Seizure Of Stash Capable Of Causing 'Hundreds Of Lethal Doses:' Police Drug Bust In MD Leads To Seizure Of Stash Capable Of Causing 'Hundreds Of Lethal Doses:' Police
Drug Bust In MD Leads To Seizure Of Stash Capable Of Causing 'Hundreds Of Lethal Doses:' Police A multi-agency investigation in Northern Maryland led to the recovery of tens of thousands of dollars worth of dangerous drugs that could have killed hundreds and landed three behind bars, authorities announced on Tuesday. The Frederick High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) group executed search and seizure warrants in the 1000 block of Monroe Avenue in Frederick and on a vehicle in Hagerstown on Monday night, leading to a massive bust and multiple arrests. Those charged:  Jayden Isaiah Stephon, 20, of Hagerstown; Christion Sayyid Gill, 26, of Hagerstown; Jamil Nicholas Gardne…
Recently Released Convict Caught With Rifle, Drugs In Maryland: Police Recently Released Convict Caught With Rifle, Drugs In Maryland: Police
Recently Released Convict Caught With Rifle, Drugs In Maryland: Police Daquan Hammond can't keep himself out of trouble with the law. The 29-year-old Hammond is facing fresh charges in Howard County after recently being released from custody in Delaware for a shooting and setting up shop in Howard County, police say. According to the Elkton Police Department, at around 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, officers completed a weeks-long investigation into the distribution of drugs out of the New Eastern Motel on East Pulaski Highway - specifically room 309. New Eastern Motel Google Maps street view Investigators say that a serach and seizure warrant execute…
Ten Arrested As Drug Trafficking Operation Broken Up During Bust In Baltimore: State's Attorney Ten Arrested As Drug Trafficking Operation Broken Up During Bust In Baltimore: State's Attorney
Ten Arrested As Drug Trafficking Operation Broken Up During Bust In Baltimore: State's Attorney A drug trafficking organization operating in several locations throughout Baltimore has been broken up following a lengthy investigation into dealing throughout the region. The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office announced on Monday that nearly a dozen people have been arrested, and a host of drugs and cache of weapons were seized by investigators who have been "terrorizing the community."  Those indicted include:  Davon Butler; Taquan Lee; George Lee; Tykala Donaldson; Romiyo Testaye; Jason Williams; Gerard Anderson; Louis Brown; Terrell Cloude; Shamika Watson. "This inves…
Drug Dealer Avoids Life In Prison For Fatal Fentanyl OD Of Maryland Teen: DOJ Drug Dealer Avoids Life In Prison For Fatal Fentanyl OD Of Maryland Teen: DOJ
Drug Dealer Avoids Life In Prison For Fatal Fentanyl OD Of Maryland Teen: DOJ The Maryland drug dealer who authorities said sold the fentanyl dose that killed a minor will avoid a lifetime in prison. Silver Spring's Mikiyas Maryie Kefyalew, also known as “Mick,” 24, was charged with the distribution of fentanyl that resulted in the death of teen Landen Hausman, of Bethesda, US Attorney Erek Barron announced. Last week, Kefyalew pleaded guilty to the distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death. He faces up to 20 years in prison after his plea, previously having faced a lifetime behind bars. Due to the fatal overdose in January 2022, investigators said they discov…
Repeat Offender Busted With Gun, Drugs During Hospital X-Ray In Maryland Gets Prison Time Repeat Offender Busted With Gun, Drugs During Hospital X-Ray In Maryland Gets Prison Time
Repeat Offender Busted With Gun, Drugs During Hospital X-Ray In Maryland Gets Prison Time A violent repeat offender who violated his probation will spend decades in prison after being sentenced, the Harford County State's Attorney's Office announced on Friday. In May 2023, members of the Havre de Grace Police Department were called to the Harford Memorial Hospital to investigate reports of an armed person, later identified as Sathrie Zach Robinson, Jr., according to authorities. Prosecutors say that Robinson was admitted for treatment and evaluation following a crash, and during a review of an X-ray, hospital staff discovered a loaded gun with hallow point ammunition, more …
Former Police Officer Gets Prison Time For Drug, Weapon Offenses In Maryland: Feds Former Police Officer Gets Prison Time For Drug, Weapon Offenses In Maryland: Feds
Former Police Officer Gets Prison Time For Drug, Weapon Offenses In Maryland: Feds A former Baltimore police officer is going to spend time behind bars after admitting to his role in drug and weapon conspiracies, federal authorities announced. City resident Steven Umberto Angelini was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and oxycodone and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Angelini was a member of the Baltimore Police Department from January 2022 through May 2022, during which he worked with a co-conspirator to distribute cocaine and oxycodone. Using his role in the department, prosecu…