Today, Vincent Edison, a 45-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander. Edison was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms by a prohibited person. He led a significant fentanyl trafficking operation throughout Maryland.
The sentence was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the DEA's Washington Division; Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department.
Edison’s involvement in drug trafficking was uncovered in 2022 when the DEA identified him as the leader of a drug shop on Winchester and North Dukeland Streets in West Baltimore. The investigation revealed that his operation sold fentanyl capsules daily for several months, including to undercover officers.
Evidence showed Edison sent text messages urging street dealers to open his shop on time or face penalties like pay deductions. He also terminated employment through messages and collected proceeds from sales.
Edison's customers extended beyond Baltimore, reaching distant counties. On December 7, 2022, surveillance captured Edison delivering drugs at his street shop while customers’ cars were parked nearby.
A Chevy registered to someone from Washington County was noted during this surveillance. After leaving the shop area, law enforcement stopped this vehicle and found it contained 500 gel caps of fentanyl weighing 263 grams.
Further investigation located Edison's stash site in Baltimore County used for preparing fentanyl for distribution. Surveillance observed Edison visiting this location regularly to obtain drugs hidden inside black plastic bags before distributing them to dealers.
On December 11, investigators saw Edison leave with such a bag leading to increased activity at his street shop shortly after delivery.
Search warrants executed on January 27 at Edison's residence and stash location resulted in significant seizures: five firearms including an AR-style rifle; various luxury jewelry valued around $150,000; approximately $90,805 cash; plus substantial quantities of fentanyl and related paraphernalia indicative of a processing lab.
U.S Attorney Hayes commended all agencies involved—DEA; DPSCS; BCPD—and thanked Assistant U.S Attorney Calvin C Miner who prosecuted this case effectively ensuring justice prevailed against those contributing towards community harm via illegal narcotics trade.
