Roddrick Navara Shelby, a 48-year-old resident of Laurel, Maryland, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Washington Division, and Chief Marc R. Yamada of the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).
The investigation into Shelby's activities began in November 2024 when the DEA and MCPD suspected him of trafficking fentanyl. During their probe, law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases where Shelby sold approximately 500 pills to a confidential source.
These pills were blue and marked with "M30," similar to legitimate oxycodone hydrochloride pills from manufacturers. However, laboratory analysis confirmed these "M30" pills contained fentanyl. In total, Shelby distributed around 1,471 fentanyl pills—over 150 grams—to the confidential source.
On March 20, 2025, authorities executed a search warrant at Shelby’s residence and vehicle in Laurel. They discovered assorted ammunition in a kitchen drawer and other locations within the home: one loaded magazine, two empty .357 caliber Glock magazines, one empty .45 caliber Glock magazine, and about 63 rounds of ammunition. Due to a prior conviction, Shelby was barred from legally owning firearms or ammunition.
Additionally found in the kitchen drawer were three digital scales with white residue and three small-knotted baggies containing substances officers suspected to be cocaine.
Shelby faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison with a maximum potential sentence of up to 40 years. Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15 at 10 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the DEA and MCPD for their efforts during this investigation and extended thanks to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan S. McKoy and Elizabeth Wright who are handling prosecution duties.
For further details on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office's initiatives or reporting fraud resources visit www.justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
