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Drug Trafficking

Guns, Cocaine, High-Capacity Mags Seized From Suspected Dealer In Frederick: Sheriff Guns, Cocaine, High-Capacity Mags Seized From Suspected Dealer In Frederick: Sheriff
Guns, Cocaine, High-Capacity Mags Seized From Suspected Dealer In Frederick: 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 Woman Distributing Coke In Northern Maryland: Prosecutors Lexus, Tow Truck Forfeited By Woman Distributing Coke In Northern Maryland: Prosecutors
Lexus, Tow Truck Forfeited By Woman Distributing Coke In Northern 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 Fentanyl Operation From Luxury MD Apartment Linked To China Supply Chain: Feds Felon Running Fentanyl Operation From Luxury MD Apartment Linked To China Supply Chain: Feds
Felon Running Fentanyl Operation From Luxury MD Apartment Linked To China Supply Chain: 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, Frederick County Sheriff Deputies Bust Six In Major Maryland I-70 Drug Trafficking Stop, Frederick County Sheriff
Deputies Bust Six In Major Maryland I-70 Drug Trafficking Stop, Frederick County Sheriff 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. …
Self-Proclaimed 'Neighborhood Pharmacist,' DC Rapper 'Carti Ears' Learns Fate In Court Self-Proclaimed 'Neighborhood Pharmacist,' DC Rapper 'Carti Ears' Learns Fate In Court
Self-Proclaimed 'Neighborhood Pharmacist,' DC Rapper 'Carti Ears' Learns Fate In Court A man who calls himself the “neighborhood pharmacist” and flaunted his lifestyle as DC rapper "Carti Ears" has been convicted for his role in a multi-year drug trafficking conspiracy, federal officials announced. Kenneth Josiah Hampton, 26, of Washington, was found guilty last week, on charges including conspiracy to distribute marijuana and oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute the drugs, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, the US Attorney’s Office said. The verdict came after a six-day trial in US District Court, where evidence painted Hampton as a pr…
71 Pounds Of London-Bound Pot Seized From Marijuana Mule At Dulles Airport: CBS 71 Pounds Of London-Bound Pot Seized From Marijuana Mule At Dulles Airport: CBS
71 Pounds Of London-Bound Pot Seized From Marijuana Mule At Dulles Airport: CBS A Texas woman was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport after authorities found more than 71 pounds of marijuana in her luggage, officials said. Du Li Park, 30, of The Colony, Texas, was stopped on Nov. 23 as US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers inspected baggage for a London-bound flight, leading to an unexpected discovery.  According to CBP, two hard-sided suitcases belonging to Park contained 60 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, weighing a combined 71 pounds and 11 ounces (32.52 kilograms). The recovered marijuana at Dulles International Airport. US …
Sweet Smuggle: Dulles CBP Officers Uncover Cocaine Hidden In Hot Chocolate Packages Sweet Smuggle: Dulles CBP Officers Uncover Cocaine Hidden In Hot Chocolate Packages
Sweet Smuggle: Dulles CBP Officers Uncover Cocaine Hidden In Hot Chocolate Packages US Customs and Border Protection agents seized a shipment at Dulles Airport destined for Northern Virginia filled with multiple packages of hot chocolate that were filled with a white substance that was not tiny marshmallows. More than 28 pounds of cocaine that was concealed inside of 10 packages of hot chocolate beverage base will never make it to the streets after agents found it while examining a food shipment brought into the country by a Guatemalan courier. According to officials, federal authorities initially detained the courier; however, authorities released the courier on Tues…
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 Maryland: State's Attorney Ten Arrested As Drug Trafficking Operation Broken Up During Bust In Maryland: State's Attorney
Ten Arrested As Drug Trafficking Operation Broken Up During Bust In Maryland: 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…
Narcotics Task Force Busts Pair For Multiple Drug, Weapon Offenses In Washington County Narcotics Task Force Busts Pair For Multiple Drug, Weapon Offenses In Washington County
Narcotics Task Force Busts Pair For Multiple Drug, Weapon Offenses In Washington County A pair of suspected drug dealers operating out of a home in Washington County are facing a host of charges following a bust in Hagerstown, authorities announced. Destinie Kisha Capers and Imeir Sirage Delaney were arrested on Tuesday following an investigation by the Washington County Narcotics Task Force during the execution of a search and seizure warrant at a home on West Washington Street on Tuesday. According to officials, both Capers and Dlaney were stopped by investigators, where they were found to be in possession of a Flock 45 caliber handgun with a fully automatic "switch" on the …
Men Busted With Thousands Of Pills After Cross Country Train Ride Sentenced In Maryland Men Busted With Thousands Of Pills After Cross Country Train Ride Sentenced In Maryland
Men Busted With Thousands Of Pills After Cross Country Train Ride Sentenced In Maryland Two men who transported thousands of fentanyl pills across the country into Maryland will spend years in prison for bringing the poison into Montgomery County. Prince George's County residents Malik Marin, of Bowie, and Tuflah Davies, of Laurel, both 27, will spend years behind bars after admitting to possession of a large amount of fentanyl, the state's attorney's office announced. Both received the same sentence: 15 years in prison with all but five years to serve, followed by five years of supervised probation following their release. In December last year, the pair traveled from Los An…
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…