United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court to charges stemming from his role as a high-volume drug trafficker. 

Rodrigo Lacayo, 48, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The charges are in connection with a multi-state, federal drug investigation.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Frank Saldana, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS); and Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).

According to court documents, in June 2025, the DEA ran an undercover drug operation to investigate Lacayo. During the undercover operation, Lacayo attempted to deliver money to an undercover officer (UC) for drugs previously provided to him.  But then the UC informed Lacayo that they needed to meet for the delivery another time.  In the meantime, the DEA obtained court authorization to track Lacayo’s cellular location.  Through cellular tracking data, investigators identified Lacayo’s Northwest Baltimore residence and his vehicle. 

On July 8, Lacayo’s cellular tracking revealed that he traveled to Houston, Texas, before traveling back to Maryland on July 10. Then on July 11, the DEA coordinated with the MCPD to conduct a traffic stop of Lacayo’s vehicle. MCPD officers later found Lacayo driving his vehicle in Bethesda, Maryland. Officers then initiated a traffic stop for suspended tags. 

Law enforcement removed Lacayo from the vehicle before a K-9 officer scanned it for the presence of narcotics. The K-9 alerted officers of drugs in the vehicle which led to a search.  Officers then discovered 12 kilograms of cocaine concealed in three car batteries inside the trunk and three cellular phones. 

After the traffic stop, investigators obtained a search warrant for Lacayo’s residence.  During the search of the residence, investigators recovered a hydraulic press, approximately 285 grams of Psilocin mushrooms, and a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition in Lacayo’s bedroom closet. Lacayo is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions.

Investigators also successfully downloaded one of Lacayo’s phones and found additional evidence of drug trafficking.  Law enforcement found photos of packaged kilogram quantities of drugs, large amounts of cash, screenshots of six-figure wire transfers, and voice memos along with WhatsApp messages discussing drug trafficking on the cellphone.    

Lacayo faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances along with a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.  U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson set sentencing for Thursday, January 28, 2027, at 10:00 a.m.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, BCPD, BPD, DPSCS, and MCPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Miner who is prosecuting this federal case.