The Justice Department announced a multi-agency law enforcement action targeting armed drug trafficking networks in Washington, D.C., resulting in 24 arrests over the past nine days. This follows an increase in law enforcement resources and tools announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in January to combat violent crime in the area.
“In January, the Justice Department surged law enforcement resources to the District of Columbia to further our efforts to target the individuals and organizations driving violent crime in the nation’s capital,” said Attorney General Garland. “Over the past nine days, as a result of a multi-agency investigation, we have arrested 24 individuals we allege have fueled drug trafficking and community violence in Washington, D.C. The Department will continue to leverage our partnerships, our resources, and our investigative and prosecutorial tools to reduce violent crime and keep communities safe.”
“The FBI will remain relentless in the pursuit of those who attempt to make money by selling fentanyl and other deadly drugs in our communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We are firmly committed to working with all of our partners and using all tools available to curb the violence impacting the American people – here in Washington, D.C., and across the country.”
Nine defendants were arrested today related to a Trinidad-based drug trafficking investigation. Three are charged in a 13-count indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, crack cocaine, heroin, and several firearms offenses. Two additional defendants face separate multiple-count indictments on fentanyl distribution and firearms charges. Last week’s action resulted in 15 arrests; ten are named in a 17-count indictment for participation in a fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy near 21st Street and Maryland Avenue, NE.
Today’s arrests stem from an investigation into an open-air drug market around Raum Street, NE, commenced last summer following numerous violent incidents. Agents conducted controlled buys of fentanyl, cocaine base, and firearms during this investigation.
Multiple search warrants were executed at various locations today as part of this operation. Law enforcement seized 15 firearms, large amounts of ammunition, and alleged drug proceeds. At least three defendants face charges including possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
“As alleged in the indictments, the defendants sold fentanyl and other dangerous drugs on the streets of Washington, D.C. Some of them also carried guns,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for D.C., DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, Special Agent David J. Scott of FBI's Criminal Division Washington Field Office's Cyber Division emphasized that these actions address local concerns about violence linked with drug trafficking.
Special Agent Jarod Forget of DEA's Washington Division stated: “Drug trafficking and violence are undeniably connected... Whether it's through increased law enforcement efforts... we are confronting this problem head-on.”
Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll of Metropolitan Police Department commended collaborative efforts among federal partners: “Operations like these will continue... Our investigations are ongoing.”
The Trinidad investigation involved multiple agencies including DEA’s Washington Division, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force while Carver-Langston involved MPD Cross-Border Task Force with assistance from Labor Office Inspector General.
Assistant U.S Attorneys Andrea Duvall & Solomon Eppel along with Trial Attorneys Gerald A.A Collins & others prosecuted cases against indicted individuals presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt under judicial proceedings.