FBI Nabs Seven in D.C. Fentanyl and PCP Ring

Washington – The FBI’s relentless pursuit of justice this morning led to the execution of over 20 search warrants across D.C., Maryland, and Los Angeles. The targeted organization, suspected of distributing PCP and fentanyl near the 2900 block of Knox Place SE in D.C., faced a full-scale law enforcement operation.

In a stunning display of force, agents seized 18 firearms— including an AR-Style rifle and a Draco-style pistol—alongside a pill press for manufacturing fentanyl pills. The street value was estimated at over $50,000 in cash and two kilograms of suspected narcotics.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia had indicted eight individuals, with seven being taken into custody today: Leonard Edwards (52), Eric Prather (43), Thomas Hancock Jr. (43), Sarda Smith (36), Michael Thomas (49), Reginald Lassiter (39), and Darryl Riley (39). All are from the Washington D.C. area, except for Thomas Hancock who is from Baltimore.

One defendant remains at large, a fugitive whose case is sealed. The Knox Place neighborhood has seen its fair share of violence with at least five homicides reported in the past year, directly linked to this alleged drug trafficking operation.

The ring’s operations were said to be sourced through a Baltimore-based co-conspirator who imported drugs from California, where one shipment included 17-gallons of PCP intercepted by law enforcement. Six of the seven defendants face 10-year mandatory minimum sentences, with two facing 15-year terms due to drug quantities.

Five additional individuals were arrested for charges ranging from conspiracy to distribute narcotics to illegal re-entry into the country. The FBI’s Washington Field Office leads this investigation, with vital assistance from the DEA and the MPD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi, Matthew W. Kinskey, and John Parron are prosecuting the case.

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