1 of 4. The size of the seizure over the weekend makes it necessary for Ecuador to further strengthen cooperation with the Belgian government, Ecuador's Interior Minister Juan Zapata told reporters. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Marguerita Choy), Tags: Ecuador, Colombia, Belgium, crime, Europe. "What we want to do is send a clear and loud message to the cartels and anyone doing an illegal operation in the high desert: Your days are over and we're coming for you," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. The Washington County Narcotics Task Force performed the drug raid at a Hagerstown apartment after first obtaining a warrant based on a narcotics investigation of that address. The lieutenant said the combined street value of the drugs recovered during the investigation was at least $1 million. "This illegal activity is impacting the quality of life for residents and businesses and if left unaddressed will have long lasting and devastating affects in the region," Barger said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. We are very hopeful that we're going to have a couple leads. Four people, Terrence Chester, 29 years old, Derrick Foxworth, 36 years old, Brandi Hartley, 40 years old and Alonzo Harris, 31 years old, all of Cumberland were arrested and charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute not marijuana, three counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and firearms-related charges. LIKE THOSE BEING INDICTED, THEY WILL END UP BEHIND BARS. Three charged as drug kingpins following Eastern Shore bust. The 10-day sting is the largest eradication of illegal marijuana cultivations in the history of the department. This amount of Fentanyl had the . The 30-count indictment alleges the operation trafficked large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride from Hagerstown to Berkeley County, West Virginia, between August. Nearly 375,000 marijuana plants and 33,480 pounds of harvested marijuana were seized, along with 65 vehicles, 180 animals and $28,000. Police and prosecutors said this is most likely the largest drug bust ever on the Eastern Shore, breaking up a major drug distribution ring that police said had plans to service the entire Mid-Atlantic region. "There's a lot of money. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Ecuadorean police found some 8.78 tons of cocaine hidden in a container with bananas, the organization said on Sunday. Jermol McCoy and Calvin Sanders are accused of running one of the drug organizations, according to the indictment. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. Officials determined the organization. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A collection of moments during and after Barack Obama's presidency. According to court documents, Harmon and Snowden worked at a barber shop on Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville where they stored drugs and drug proceeds. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk, Maryland bust nets $1M in drugs, 9 arrests, 34 guns. President Guillermo Lasso, a conservative former banker, has pushed for Ecuador to ramp up efforts to fight gangs that use the country as a transit point for shipping cocaine to the United States and Europe. Not all U.S. presidents are missed once they leave the White House. Drugs and drug proceeds were stored at some of the homes of the defendants, say authorities. The signaling from Beijing comes as the U.S. escalates its warnings against China providing arms to the Kremlin as Russias campaign in Ukraine continues to suffer. Police said investigators developed evidence from years of surveillance that led to warrants to search homes in Preston, Hurlock, Federalsburg, Lanham and Crofton, where police said they recovered more than 18 kilograms of cocaine, 2.7 kilograms of heroin/fentanyl, 5.9 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 170 pounds of marijuana, almost 34 guns and money believed to be connected to the drug operation. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The indictments were unsealed Monday after authorities arrested the defendants and searched 29 residences and two businesses, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland. If mixed with other drugs, the 21 kilos of carfentanil seized could have been enough to potentially kill more than 50 million people, The district attorneys office said in the statement. Police: 9 indicted, enough drugs seized that could kill everyone on Eastern Shore. ", Release from @MDSP stated the following was recovered as a result of the Eastern Shore drug bust. Alex Boesman. Police said a more than three-year investigation led to the arrests of nine people so far and the seizure of enough fentanyl and heroin that could kill everyone on the Eastern Shore. According to WJZ-TV, authorities believe Justin Aaron Spain, 41, of Lanham, was the main supplier. "We're talking about the cartels," Lancaster, California, Mayor Rex Parris said at a Wednesday press conference. CUMBERLAND, Md. The Anne Arundel County Police Department said it on Friday arrested . On Monday this week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers also intercepted the largest seizure in the history of the port with almost $1 million worth of fentanyl and methamphetamine at the Andrade Port of Entry. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); While this was a great drug bust it is concerning that the drugs had already entered the U.S. 2008-2023 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. All rights reserved. The operation, which began on June 8, resulted in 22 felony arrests, 109 misdemeanor arrests, and 19 arrests from water theft enforcement teams, officials said. MCIN is particularly focused on those criminal networks that are impacting multiple jurisdictions and accomplishes this by sharing information across borders. "This massive seizure likely saved lives and prevented the Sinaloa Cartel from doing business and profiting on the lives of people in our communities.". He is facing two counts of being a drug kingpin, as well as several drug possession and distribution charges, the news release said. New Topgolf facility opens next to Montebello Golf Course, Man stopped at Pa. airport with explosive concealed in checked luggage, Elizabeth Holmes has 2nd child as she tries to avoid prison. The indictment also alleges Sanders authorized an attack on a rival drug crew member in September, and that members plotted to kidnap a woman in October. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. GREENBELT, Md. Multiple law enforcement agencies ultimately provided assistance with the investigation, state police said. We have teamed up with the @usarmy @deahq @vcsheriff @kernsheriff @seblasd to eradicate these illegal Marijuana groves. More than 200 locations were served with search warrants. Their investigation began with some tips in 2019. Maryland bust nets $1M in drugs, 9 arrests, 34 guns Authorities said they seized more than $1 million in drugs, including 18 kilograms of cocaine, 2.7 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, and 170 lbs. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Nine people were indicted on charges of participating in a drug trafficking organization across two counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore, the Maryland State Police announced Tuesday. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. (WJZ) -- Authorities on Tuesday announced the indictments of nine Maryland residents as part of a multi-agency effort to dismantle a significant drug trafficking organization operating on the Eastern Shore. While California legalized therecreational use of marijuana in 2018, illegal grows of the crop have been on the rise in the state. Sierra Lynch, age 37, of Beltsville, Maryland, Anthony Niles, age 36, of Bowie, Maryland, and, Abdul Hakim Sauda, age 30, of Laurel, Maryland. In the house, police found "large amounts of suspected Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine, and Heroin". inmate tried to escape from the Central Men's Jail today, A driver died in an intersection collision in Fountain Valley on Sunday, The City of Santa Ana lost a federal lawsuit against a homeless shelter developer, It is time for change at the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, Former Santa Ana youth pastor sentenced for molesting a little girl repeatedly, Santa Ana man sentenced for killing a man he had a dispute with. Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted 19 Baltimore men on federal charges related to an alleged drug distribution conspiracy operating in Northwest Baltimore near the intersection of Liberty Heights Avenue and Garrison Boulevard. The New Santa Ana blog has been covering news, events and politics in Santa Ana since 2009. pic.twitter.com/y21yWExTT9. Villanueva said that he will share the district attorney's prosecution decision publicly once it's made available. July 9, 2021 / 10:14 AM / CBS News. The fight on illegal opioid distribution in Maryland saw a major victory this week with the announcement of indictments on the operators of a large-scale drug enterprise. Sanders is charged with first-degree murder in Thomas killing. He said databases and surveillance, along with other tools and efforts, led investigators to Holland and Williams. "18 kilograms of cocaine, 2.7 kilograms of heroin/fentanyl, 5.9 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 170 pounds of marijuana and approximately 34 firearms"Picture from police:@wjz pic.twitter.com/a5fTULicBr. "A half-kilogram of fentanyl was taken in and 2.2 kilograms of heroin were taken in," Caroline County State's Attorney Joseph Riley said. "Synthetic drugs like methamphetamine are highly addictive, dangerous and killing people at alarming rates," said DEA Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner. An investigation led to the indictments of nine people alleged to be part of a significant drug-trafficking organization on the Eastern Shore, according to Maryland State Police. Among those indicted were 41-year-old Justin Spain of Lanham, who's accused of being the organization's main supplier, along with 36-year-old Michael Holland of Hurlock and 39-year-old Gregory Williams Jr. of Federalsburg, both of whom are alleged to have been Spain's key distributors. Thursdays drug bust is believed to be the largest seizure of carfentanil in Riverside County history, according to the district attorneys office. (Howard County Police ) A complaint . QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador and Belgium on Monday agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in their fight against international organized crime, a day after Ecuadorean police seized nearly nine tonnes of drugs bound for the European country. 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Ecuador, Belgium Sign Deal to Fight Crime After Mega Cocaine Bust, FILE PHOTO: Workers unload sacks containing cocaine packages from a truck before the incineration of more than nine tons of cocaine which were seized during different operations, according to the Ecuador's Interior Ministry, in a warehouse at an undisclosed location, in Ecuador April 21, 2022. Andres Jesus Morales, 30, and Christine Ponce, 27, were charged with four drug-related felonies with the intent to sell a controlled substance, the Riverside district attorneys office announced. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD. of marijuana. Indictment at Silver Spring housing complex, The first indictment charges 14 people in connection with drug trafficking operations near a housing complex in the 14000 block of Bel Pre Drive in Silver Spring. During the investigation, police said they seized more than 100 grams (0.10 kilograms) of suspected fentanyl and cocaine. There's a lot of drugs. Its unclear when the defendants will appear in court. Maryland drug bust involving fentanyl, cocaine. Reach her at tori.powell@viacomcbs.com, First published on July 7, 2021 / 8:12 PM. Of the 201 tonnes of drugs seized in Ecuador last year, almost 18% was destined for Belgium, specifically Antwerp, Zapata said. The drugs have an estimated street value of $33 million. April 26, 2022 / 6:00 PM / CBS Baltimore EASTON, Md. She called on the district attorney to prosecute those arrested in the operation. Rayvon Walls, age 25, of Indian Head, Maryland. OCEAN CITY, MD Police said they busted a drug deal on the Ocean City boardwalk last Thursday. Amir Bey-Jones, a/k/a "Meano," age 41, of Silver Spring. "This is the largest drug bust in my time as a prosecutor and as the elected state's attorney," Caroline County State's Attorney Joe Riley said. Feb. 27, 2023, at 6:01 p.m. Ecuador, Belgium Sign Deal to Fight Crime After Mega Cocaine Bust. (EASTON, MD) Sheriff Joe Gamble, chairman of the Talbot County Drug Task Force, today announced that 22 people from the Eastern Shore who are alleged to have been part of a drug trafficking organization have been indicted on state and federal drug charges, following a 10-month investigation by the task force. Authorities say the group used the housing complex "as an open-air drug market where traffickers routinely conducted hand-to-hand drug transactions.". / CBS News. We are very hopeful that we're going to have a couple leads. (ABC7 photo) GAITHERSBURG, Md. WE ARE VERY HOPEFUL WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A COUPLE OF LEADS. Some of those leads are going to be outside of the state of Maryland, which is why we are working with our federal partners," said Lt. Adam Howard, of the Maryland State Police Department's Criminal Enforcement Division Eastern Region.Maryland State Police told 11 News this remains a very active investigation and that more charges could be coming as well as more arrests around the country. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said the impacts of illegal marijuana cultivation by cartels include water theft, human trafficking, pollution and threats to safety and security. FBI Baltimore authorities along with Prince George's County and Montgomery County Police announce major drug bust. That is what's coming.". 'Unprecedented' Maryland drug bust_____Stay up to date with our social media:WJLA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wjlatv/WJLA on Twitter: htt. GREENBELT, Md. "According to the (Drug Enforcement Agency), that's enough fentanyl to kill 250,000 people, and when you mix it with the heroine, that's enough fatal doses to kill every individual on the Eastern Shore," Riley said. During the search, police seized: Maryland bust nets $1M in drugs, 9 arrests, 34 guns Authorities said they seized more than $1 million in drugs, including 18 kilograms of cocaine, 2.7 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, and 170. All of them remain in custody without bond. There's a lot of networks. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Please enter valid email address to continue. George Earl Gee, age 37, of Beltsville, Maryland. "This is an issue that is plaguing, and will continue to plague, if we do not make it very uncomfortable and one way to make it uncomfortable is to prosecute," Barger said. Local authorities charged a California man and woman Thursday in a massive drug bust that found more than 46 pounds of a lethal and potent synthetic opioid, multiple sources reported. BROOKLYN PARK, Md. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. The task force includes officers and contributions from several law enforcement agencies, including the Caroline County Sheriffs Department, Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Caroline County States Attorneys Office and the Denton Police Department, according to the release. "These drugs were not just intended for these three small rural counties," he said. Coast to coast drug ring busted in Maryland. In the house, police found large amounts of suspected Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine, and Heroin. The following people were charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine base (crack), five kilograms or more of cocaine, and heroin: Gee, Snowden, Richardson, Salazar and Miles are also charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Police: Task force dismantles Eastern Shore drug trafficking organization. of marijuana. The investigation is ongoing and the next court date is scheduled for Nov. 9. 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