Personal Attention.
Aggressive Defense.

Photo of Thomas C. Mooney

Maryland drug ring busted, 17 arrested

On Behalf of | May 30, 2019 | Drug Charges

In May, Maryland authorities busted a drug trafficking ring that was allegedly operating in and around Allegany County. The investigation resulted in the arrests of 17 people.

According to media reports, members of the Maryland State Police Heroin Investigative Unit and the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force started investigating the drug ring in 2018. They allegedly discovered that the group was transporting drugs like cocaine, fentanyl and heroin from Baltimore to Allegany County and storing them for distribution.

Based on the investigation, a grand jury handed down a 109-count indictment against the alleged leader of the drug ring, a 33-year-old Baltimore man, on May 15. Sixteen other defendants, who range in age from 22 to 56 years old, were also charged with various drug crimes. These charges include distribution of a large amount of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute a large amount of heroin, conspiracy to distribute a large of amount of illegal drugs, and visiting a common nuisance on the community. The defendants are all Maryland residents.

Drug charges often lead to serious consequences for those who are convicted. For example, individuals convicted of drug trafficking crimes can be sentenced to years in prison and assessed thousands of dollars in fines. After they are released from prison, they will also bear the stigma of a permanent criminal record, which can severely limit employment opportunities. However, a criminal defense attorney could represent a client and do everything possible to protect his or her future. In some cases, it may be possible to get the charges dismissed. In others, it might be advisable to negotiate a plea bargain that reduces the charges, which could lead to a lighter sentence.

Source: CBS Baltimore, “17 Arrested In Drug Trafficking Ring That Distributed Fentanyl, Heroin And Cocaine“, May 24, 2019