BALTIMORE — In a sweeping multi-agency operation, federal and local law enforcement authorities arrested 14 people in a large-scale drug and gun bust spanning Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and Baltimore City. The operation, led by the FBI’s Annapolis Safe Streets Task Force, resulted in the seizure of drugs, guns, and cash.
More than 500 officers, agents, and personnel from federal, state, and local agencies worked together to execute the operation. The law enforcement sweep, which took place Thursday, resulted in various controlled substances being seized, including cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone. In addition, authorities took three handguns, one shotgun, nearly $40,000 in cash, and other drug paraphernalia.
The large-scale effort was a collaboration among multiple agencies, including the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the Annapolis Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Baltimore Police Department, Maryland State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, among others.
“This operation is yet another example of how the teamwork among our law enforcement partners is stronger than ever,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “If we work together, with our community-based partners, our neighborhoods will be safe and secure.”
The operation focused on dismantling a drug trafficking organization that authorities say was responsible for distributing illegal substances throughout the region. According to the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, this collaborative effort marks a significant step in neutralizing a criminal enterprise that profited from "peddling poison" in local communities.
“Thanks to diligent and comprehensive investigative work by the FBI’s Annapolis Safe Streets Task Force, a significant drug trafficking organization has been dismantled,” DelBagno said. “We are working hard to identify and stop the most violent offenders and facilitators.”
Out of the 14 people arrested, 11 are facing federal charges for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances. Additional charges could follow as the investigation continues to unfold.
This takedown is part of the broader Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a national program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence in communities across the country. By bringing together all levels of law enforcement and community organizations, PSN aims to build safer neighborhoods through both preventive measures and strategic enforcement.
As the case moves through the courts, authorities urge the public to remember that a complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its ongoing priorities, and available community resources, visit the District of Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office website.
Seized items:
- Distribution-level quantities of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone
- One shotgun and three handguns
- Nearly $40,000 in cash
- Drug paraphernalia
Participating agencies:
- FBI Baltimore Field Office
- Annapolis Police Department
- Anne Arundel County Police Department
- Baltimore Police Department
- Maryland State Police
- Maryland Army National Guard
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- United States Marshals Service
