Vincent Edison, Fentanyl Trafficking, Maryland 2022

Baltimore, MD – Vincent Edison, a 45-year-old Baltimore resident, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms by a prohibited person. Edison led a fentanyl trafficking operation that distributed large quantities of fentanyl throughout the state of Maryland.

U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander handed down the sentence on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms by a prohibited person. Edison was also found to have led a fentanyl trafficking operation that sold fentanyl capsules to countless individuals, including undercover officers, daily, for 10-12 hours a day for several months.

The investigation revealed that Edison routinely sent text messages to street dealers, instructing them to ‘open his drug shop on time,’ 7 a.m. – or he would ‘dock’ half their pay. Law enforcement also uncovered additional text messages from Edison terminating street dealers’ employment with his drug shop and collecting proceeds from drug sales.

Edison supplied fentanyl to buyers from distant counties, including Washington County, Maryland. On December 7, 2022, investigators surveilled the drug shop via closed circuit cameras and observed Edison delivering a black plastic bag to one of his dealers. The bag was later found to contain 500 gel caps of fentanyl, weighing a total of 263 grams.

As the investigation progressed, investigators identified Edison’s stash location, in Baltimore County, Maryland. The stash location was used to prepare fentanyl for distribution. Investigators observed Edison frequenting the stash location daily and believed that he obtained drugs that he secreted inside black plastic bags. Then Edison delivered them to his street level dealers.

On January 27, 2023, investigators executed search warrants for Edison’s Baltimore City residence and his Baltimore County stash location. Edison was present when investigators searched his residence. During the search, law enforcement recovered five firearms, including an AR style rifle; a 12-gauge shotgun; and three, loaded semi-automatic handguns. Investigators also recovered 70 grams of fentanyl; multiple luxury jewelry items, valued at approximately $150,000; and approximately $90,805.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the DEA, DPSCS, BCPD, and other law enforcement agencies for their efforts in bringing Edison to justice. The case is a testament to the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

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