Shelvin Jovan Barnes, a 33-year-old resident of Washington D.C., received a 36-month federal prison sentence for possession with intent to distribute illegal designer drugs. The U.S. District Court announced the sentencing, highlighting the collaborative efforts of U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington Division.
Barnes, also known as “Nuke,” entered a guilty plea on December 6, 2024, to charges including possession with intent to distribute ADB-BUTINACA and attempted possession with intent to distribute N,N-dimethylpentylone. He also faced charges for unlawful firearm possession related to an intrafamily offense. Alongside his prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan mandated three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
The investigation into Barnes was part of a broader probe into narcotics shipments from China. On May 8, 2024, HSI intercepted a package containing 122 grams of N,N-dimethylpentylone or “dipentylone,” addressed to a location on L Street Southeast. Law enforcement replaced the contents with a sham substance before delivering it undercover.
During the search at Barnes’ residence post-delivery, law enforcement discovered several bags containing bulk mixtures labeled "Booka," similar to synthetic drug "K2." Lab tests confirmed approximately 1,195 grams of ADB-BUTINACA stored in zip-lock bags marked by weight.
Agents recovered items associated with drug manufacturing: digital scales, protective gear like gas masks and gloves, tea leaves weighing 35 pounds, and acetone measuring 16 gallons. A loaded Beretta 9mm pistol was found under Barnes' mattress alongside more powder mixtures. At the time of his arrest, Barnes was already on probation for misdemeanor assault and prohibited from possessing firearms.
The case saw investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C.'s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area team and is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Iris McCranie and Trial Attorney Ernesto Alvarado.