Large Mid-Atlantic Cocaine and Heroin Trafficking Organization Arrested and Dismantled
SAC Laura M. Nagel of DEA’s Washington Division announced today’s joint law enforcement operation arresting members of a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and California. Nine members of the organization were arrested today after a federal grand jury indicted a total of 14 members of the organization.
The six-count grand jury indictment charges each of the defendants with narcotics conspiracy for the last year and includes charges against several defendants for distribution and possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs. Each of the defendants faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The nine members arrested today on the grand jury indictment included: Lowell Brian Lamont, 39, Camp Springs, MD; Michael Fowler, 51, Oxon Hill, MD; Michael Wilson, 46; Willie Morton, 38, Oxon Hill, MD; Michael Bobo, 35, Ft. Washington, MD; Yusef Butler, 33, Ft. Washington, MD; Aaron Richardson, 36; Kerwin Woodard, 27, and Gary Clayton, 43, Capitol Heights, MD.
Today’s arrests are a result of year-long joint investigation conducted by the DEA, MPD, and IRS focusing on a local drug trafficking organization with ties to west coast drug suppliers. The organization distributed large quantities of cocaine and heroin in the mid-Atlantic region, through various locations, primarily in the Sixth District around Eastern Avenue, in the District of Columbia and in various nearby areas in Maryland, along the border between DC and Maryland. Agents estimated that in the last year, the group was responsible for the distribution of over 150 kilograms of powder cocaine, 20 kilograms of crack cocaine, and large quantities of heroin. Members of the group regularly carried firearms, several of which were seized during the investigation. The grand jury indictment names a total of 14 defendants, five of whom are still at large.
In announcing this federal indictment and today’s joint operation, SAC Nagel wished to thank the IRS, MPD, and the US Attorneys Office, particularly Assistant US Attorneys Maria Lerner, Michael Volkov, and Michael Humphreys.
