United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MIAMI – On July 16, 2021, a South Florida federal magistrate judge ordered pre-trial detention for 37- year-old Lazaro Alfredo Ramirez-Alvarado, finding that he presents a risk of flight and danger to the community if released. Pursuant to the order, Ramirez-Alvarado will remain in jail, without bond, pending his trial...

BALTIMORE, Md., – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang today sentenced Thomas Parker III, a/k/a “June,” age 53, of Washington, D.C., to 90 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and powder and crack cocaine. Eight...

BALTIMORE, Md., – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander today sentenced George Drummond, age 51, of Baltimore, to four years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine in the Monument Street area of East Baltimore, and for...

OCALA, Fla. – An indictment was unsealed today charging Devonne L. Walker, 35, of Lady Lake, Florida, Tymane D. Hamilton, 29, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Kanisha D. Savage, 28, of Phoenix, Arizona with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison...

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., – The ringleader behind an extensive drug trafficking ring was sentenced today to 33 years in prison for distributing large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Newport News and North Carolina. According to court documents, Ramiro Ramirez-Barreto, 44, from the Mexican State of Morelos, operated a...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Keith A. Penn, 41, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced on July 8, to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearm charges. “Today’s sentencing highlights the importance of the relationship between our law enforcement partners,” said DEA Miami Field Division Acting Special...

BALTIMORE, Md., – Joel William Hammond, age 35, of Essex, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 28 grams of cocaine base. The guilty plea was announced by Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Field Division; Jonathan...

Baltimore, MD – Joel William Hammond, age 35, of Essex, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 28 grams of cocaine base. The guilty plea was announced by Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division; Jonathan F...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Paublo “Chandito” Rondon Quinones (30, Jacksonville) was sentenced to 10 years and 1 month in federal prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. Quinones had pleaded guilty on January 24, 2019. As part of his...

Washington, D.C. – Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the DEA Washington Division, is alerting all area residents to an increase in drug overdose deaths tied to counterfeit pills containing the powerful synthetic opioid, fentanyl. Manufactured by Mexican drug trafficking organizations, and marketed as a medication such as...