Ten people were arrested May 25 after an investigation discovered a drug trafficking ring that distributed fentanyl and cocaine in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area.
According to a May 25 news release issued by the Department of Justice, the group operated mainly in areas near Seventh Street and O Street NW and surrounding neighborhoods. During the arrests and searches, law enforcement discovered eight firearms and large quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine.
“This investigation reflects our focus on protecting our community both from the deadly consequences of using drugs like fentanyl and the violence that such drug markets attract,” U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said, according to the release. “Along with our federal law enforcement partners and the [Metropolitan Police Department], we are committed to investigating, identifying and prosecuting these networks.”
According to the release, the individuals arrested include Elliott Johnson, 42; Jeremy Young, 35; Daevon Narce, 29; William Proctor, 54; Andre Williams, 32; Ako Handy, 48; Keith Gliss, 36; Manuel Brown, 41; Stanley Hood, 26; and Thomas Shelton, 37.
“The arrests of these individuals this morning represents the culmination of a nearly year-long investigation into a violent drug trafficking organization,” Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs said in the release. “This is yet another fine example of the commitment and resolve of the FBI and our partners at MPD’s Violence Reduction Unit and the DEA to remove these criminal elements from the communities we live and work in.
"The indictment alleges the charged individuals used illegal firearms and other weapons to commit violence while selling dangerous drugs and laundering the proceeds," Jacobs added, according to the release. "The FBI will continue to stand with its partners in our work to make our city safer by bringing purveyors of drugs and violence to account for their egregious actions.”
“Communities deserve to thrive without the presence of illegal drug activity and violence, and our operation was successful in removing individuals engaged in these behaviors from District neighborhoods,” Chief Robert J. Contee said, according to the release. “While this operation highlights the thorough investigative efforts and effective partnerships between law enforcement, we are optimistic that continued collaboration will further impact our community.”
According to the release, the investigation is part of an operation of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.
