Thirty-One Face Federal Charges in Northeast Ohio Heroin Conspiracy

CLEVELAND, OH – Thirty-one individuals are facing federal indictment after a long-running investigation into a heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine trafficking operation that flooded Northeast Ohio with drugs sourced from Chicago and South Texas. The ring allegedly operated from at least 2010 through this month, using multiple Cleveland homes as distribution hubs.

The 107-count indictment was announced jointly by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Steven M. Dettelbach, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, Cuyahoga County Sheriff Frank Bova, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Kathy Enstrom, and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. Investigators seized over seven kilograms of heroin, one kilogram of cocaine, and ten firearms, signaling the scale of this operation.

According to court documents, the conspiracy was led by Mark Makupson, Harry R. Hubbard, and Harvest White. These men allegedly funneled drug profits into real estate purchases in Cleveland, including properties at 1687 East 70th Street, 1075 East 74th Street, and 3800 Lakeside Ave., Suite 201. The indictment details how Makupson, Hubbard, White, and Reuben Bell pooled resources to travel to Chicago and acquire large quantities of heroin from Gardner Witt, and at other times from Dammarkro Nolan, who in turn sourced from Witt. They then distributed the heroin to approximately 20 other dealers throughout Cleveland.

Law enforcement identified key distribution locations at 3991 Superior Ave., 1481 East 71st Street, 1162 East 58th Street, and 7610 Linwood Ave. Prosecutors are now seeking forfeiture of nearly $750,000 in cash and three vehicles seized during the investigation: a 2003 Hummer H2, a 2007 Mercedes Benz G500, and a customized 1967 Pontiac Bonneville convertible. The indictment lists numerous specific narcotics transactions.

“Northeast Ohio, like many parts of the country, has been hit hard by the heroin epidemic,” stated U.S. Attorney Dettelbach. “We continue to work together on a comprehensive solution that includes prevention, treatment and enforcement.” Other officials echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of a multi-faceted approach to combatting the opioid crisis. Sheriff Bova emphasized that “all our law enforcement partners will continue to bring the fight to the heroin epidemic from all angles.”

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Enstrom highlighted the financial aspect of the operation, stating, “The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs.” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine added, “Drug dealers peddle death and addiction, and we can’t afford their destruction…The heroin epidemic is complex and will take continued law enforcement coordination.” The full list of indicted individuals has not been released at this time, but Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story.

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