A multi-agency investigation resulted in the dismantling of a large-scale drug trafficking operation that operated in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, as well as the arrest of at least 12 people.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore made the announcement on Tuesday in Salisbury, Maryland, with local, state, and federal law enforcement leaders present.
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The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Joint Community Action Team, along with several federal, state, and local partners, completed the long-term investigation after a coordinated operation targeting narcotics distribution networks on the Eastern Shore and surrounding areas.
Authorities stated the gang is in charge of supplying illegal substances throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore, parts of Virginia, Baltimore, and southern Delaware.
Officials stated that their investigation began in late 2024, when officials obtained information about Desmond Roberts Jr. allegedly engaging in controlled hazardous substance trades in Worcester County. Over the course of several months, officials determined that Roberts Jr. was involved in a wider drug trafficking network.
During the inquiry, authorities deployed surveillance, covert operations, search warrants, and other measures.
Investigators were able to identify key members of the ring by monitoring 19 phone lines for several months under Title III authority. These things happen as a result of dedication, intentionality, attention, and the absolute, absolute requirement of keeping our people safe,” Moore said about the narcotics bust.
Officials stated that the operation resulted in multiple arrests, with further charges and arrests expected to follow:
- Shakoor Yusin Stevenson: Held without bond
- Rockey Ernest Johnson Jr.: Held without bond
- Reinaldo Soto Ramos: Held without bond and an ICE detainer
- Junior Calderon: Released on bond
- Charnita Emil Stephens: Released on recognition and electronic monitoring
- Dorge Lee Conway Jr.,: Released on $25,000 unsecured bond
- Desmon Rashad Robers Jr.: Released on $10,000 unsecured bond
- Marcus Shaquille Cropper: Held without bond
- Dewayne Ellswoth Cane: Held without bond
- Tittel Termaine Sample: Held without bond in Virginia
- Kavon Randy Conquest: Held without bond
- Deangela Renee Morton: Held without bond in Virginia
As of Tuesday, authorities said La’Quan Alexander Townsend was still wanted.
Officials have also seized:
- 42.61 kilograms of cocaine
- 23.8 grams of crack cocaine
- 4.41 kilograms of marijuana
- 3.6 grams of MDMA (ecstasy)
- 36 fentanyl pills
- 8.1 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
- 1.9 grams of heroin
- 5 suboxone strips
“It wasn’t just cocaine. It was crack, it was ecstasy, it was methamphetamine, it was money, it was a large amount of guns,” Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said.
“We collaborated every single day to make sure our men and women had the necessary tools and the funding to our governor’s office to make this happen, because when you’re manning a wiretap 24 hours a day, it takes manpower. It takes a lot of people to make this happen. So when I look across this room and I see a large crowd in here today, and we’re being blessed by our governor here today to let you guys know that since day one, he’s been aware of what’s been going on.” Lewis said.
In addition, authorities recovered 11 guns and seized more than $23,000 cash.
Authorities also seized 11 vehicles and two apartments linked to the gang.
According to Sheriff Lewis, the inquiry turned up ties to a Mexican drug organization. Lewis stated that substantial volumes of cocaine were moved across the country via tractor-trailer from Southern California, along with additional drugs, cash, and firearms confiscated during the investigation.
“This was a good day for the United States of America. It resulted in arrests of violent criminals who, had they not been arrested, would have continued to terrorize our communities,” Moore added. “It results in the seizure of more than 42 kilograms of cocaine. And as the sheriff mentioned, not just one of the largest cocaine seizures in the history of Wicomico, but one of the most important seizures that we’ve seen throughout the state of Maryland.”
The investigation is underway. Officials added that additional charges and arrests are pending.
