23 Arrests Made in DC Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Busted

A multi-agency law enforcement operation has resulted in the arrest of 23 individuals in connection with a fentanyl trafficking ring operating in the Trinidad neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

The arrests were made in the past nine days, with the most recent taking place this morning, in which nine defendants were taken into custody as part of a Trinidad-based drug trafficking investigation.

Three of those arrested are alleged crew members who were charged in a 13-count indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, and heroin, as well as firearms offenses.

Two additional defendants were arrested this morning in connection with a separate 13-count indictment on fentanyl distribution and firearms charges.

The indictments were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Troy Springer of the National Capital Region of the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

“In January, the Justice Department surged law enforcement resources to the District of Columbia to further our efforts to target the individuals and organizations driving violent crime in the nation’s capital,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Over the past nine days, as a result of a multi-agency investigation, we have arrested 24 individuals we allege have fueled drug trafficking and community violence in Washington, D.C. The Department will continue to leverage our partnerships, our resources, and our investigative and prosecutorial tools to reduce violent crime and keep communities safe.”

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the investigation into the Trinidad-based drug trafficking ring began in the summer of 2023, in response to 59 violent crime incidents and 119 bursts of gunfire occurring in the area from January to July 2023. Agents conducted numerous controlled buys of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, cocaine base, and firearms in connection with this investigation.

Law enforcement executed 14 residential search warrants today in connection with the Trinidad investigation in the District and Maryland, and seized approximately 15 firearms, approximately $126,000 in cash currency, and significant quantities of drugs, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and xylazine. At least three of the defendants arrested today have been indicted on firearms charges.

The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected. Those arrested will face charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

As the city continues to grapple with the effects of the opioid epidemic, authorities are cracking down on those who seek to profit from the suffering of others.