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14 people arrested on drug charges in Maryland after FBI raids

Federal and state authorities conducted raids at multiple locations in Annapolis and Baltimore and arrested 14 people on drug charges, according to a criminal complaint unsealed and obtained by 11 News Investigates on Thursday. According to the FBI, agents conducted 18 federal court-authorized searches Wednesday in an investigation that began in May 2023 and involved more than 500 officers, federal wiretaps and video surveillance. “Thanks to the diligent and comprehensive investigative work of the FBI's Annapolis Safe Streets Task Force, a major drug trafficking organization has been dismantled,” said Bill DelBagno. Eleven of the 14 people arrested face federal conspiracy and drug distribution charges, and additional charges could be forthcoming, according to the FBI. During the raids in Annapolis, 11 News Investigates observed tow trucks with police escorts carrying away two large white Chevrolet vans. The FBI did not confirm whether any vehicles were seized as part of the warrants. According to the criminal complaint, suspected drug dealers operated an open-air drug store that sold cocaine and heroin in the Annapolis neighborhoods around New Vernon and Clay streets – some of them areas just blocks from the Maryland State House. “In a coordinated effort across three jurisdictions, the FBI and our law enforcement partners worked seamlessly to thwart the capabilities of this criminal enterprise that has profited from the poison trade in our communities. We are working hard to “identify and stop the most violent offenders and supporters,” DelBagno said in a statement. In addition to the drug charges, there are also allegations of money laundering, and the FBI said authorities seized large amounts of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone, as well as a shotgun, three handguns, nearly $40,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia. In June 2023, Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Florida contacted agents in Baltimore about an alleged deal to pay for illegal drugs. DEA agents conducted a controlled cash transfer and an undercover DEA agent intercepted a plastic bag containing $76,000. “This operation is another example of how teamwork between our law enforcement partners is stronger than ever,” Erek Barron, U.S. attorney for Maryland, said in a statement. “Together and with our local partners, our neighborhoods will be safe and secure.” An investigation continues. Video below: FBI agents and police search multiple locations (Wednesday)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. –

Federal and state authorities conducted raids at multiple locations in Annapolis and Baltimore and arrested 14 people on drug charges, according to a criminal complaint unsealed and obtained by 11 News Investigates on Thursday.

According to the FBI, agents conducted 18 federal court-authorized searches on Wednesday for an investigation that began in May 2023 and involved more than 500 officers, federal wiretaps and video surveillance.

“Thanks to the diligent and comprehensive investigative work of the FBI’s Annapolis Safe Streets Task Force, a major drug trafficking organization was dismantled,” Bill DelBagno, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, said in a statement.

Eleven of the 14 people arrested face federal conspiracy and drug distribution charges and could face additional charges, according to the FBI.

During the raids in Annapolis, 11 News Investigates observed tow trucks with police escorts hauling away two large white Chevrolet vans. The FBI did not confirm whether any vehicles were seized as part of the warrants.

According to the criminal complaint, suspected drug dealers operated an open-air drug store that sold cocaine and heroin in the Annapolis neighborhoods around New Vernon and Clay streets – some areas just blocks from the Maryland State House.

“In a coordinated effort across three jurisdictions, the FBI and our law enforcement partners worked seamlessly to thwart the capabilities of this criminal enterprise that profited from selling poison in our communities. We work hard to identify and stop the most violent offenders and supporters,” DelBagno said in a statement.

In addition to the drug charges, there are also allegations of money laundering, and the FBI said authorities seized large amounts of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone, as well as a shotgun, three handguns, nearly $40,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia.

In June 2023, Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Florida contacted agents in Baltimore about an alleged deal to pay for illegal drugs. DEA agents conducted a controlled cash transfer and an undercover DEA agent intercepted a plastic bag containing $76,000.

“This operation is another example of how teamwork between our law enforcement partners is stronger than ever,” Erek Barron, U.S. attorney for Maryland, said in a statement. “Together and with our local partners, our neighborhoods will be safe and secure.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Video below: FBI agents and police search multiple locations (Wednesday)

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