13 arrested in drug trafficking investigation across Delaware, Maryland and Virginia

Thirteen people have been arrested following a 14‑month, multi‑agency investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating across Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, authorities announced Tuesday.

Investigators say the group distributed narcotics throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore, parts of Virginia, Baltimore and lower Delaware.

The investigation began in late 2024 after authorities received information linking Desmond Roberts Jr. to drug transactions in Worcester County, Md. As the investigation continued in early 2025, detectives determined he was part of a larger trafficking network.

Surveillance, undercover operations, search warrants and other coordinated enforcement tactics were used to identify key members and disrupt distribution routes.

The investigation led to a Title III wiretap involving 19 phone lines over several months. Investigators say the interceptions helped them identify suppliers and dismantle the organization.

Authorities seized more than 42 kilograms of cocaine, along with crack cocaine, marijuana, MDMA, fentanyl pills, psilocybin mushrooms, heroin and suboxone strips. They also recovered 11 firearms, nearly $24,000 in cash, 11 vehicles and two residences, and executed more than 80 search warrants. Additional arrests are expected due to pending indictments.

At a news conference Tuesday, Gov. Wes Moore called the operation one of the largest drug busts in state history and credited cooperation among local, state and federal partners. He said protecting Marylanders remains his top priority and that he has "neither patience nor tolerance" for violent criminals.

The investigation involved the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team, Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Joint Community Action Team, the DEA, Washington‑Baltimore HIDTA, Accomack County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Impact Unit, Salisbury Police, Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit, Ocean City Police Special Enforcement Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, the Eastern Shore Information Center and Baltimore County Police.

APPREHENDED/CHARGED

Shakoor Yusin Stevenson CDS: Drug Kingpin, Not Cannabis CDS: Import into the State of Maryland CDS: Possess Large Amount, not Cannabis CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics Bond: Held without bond

Ricky Ernest Johnson Jr. CDS: Drug Kingpin, Not Cannabis CDS: Possess Large Amount, Not Cannabis CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics Bond: Held without bond

Reinaldo Soto Ramos Felony Drug Dealing Drug Possession Bond: Held without bond ICE DETAINER

Junior Calderon Felony Drug Dealing Drug Possession Bond: Released on bond

Charnita Emil Stephens CDS: Possession of Large Amount, Not Cannabis CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics Bond: Released on Recognizance & Electronic Monitoring

Dorge Lee Conway Jr. Possession of a Firearm/Drug Trafficking Crime CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics CDS: Possession of Firearms Bond: Released on $25,000.00 unsecured bond

Desmond Rashad Roberts Jr. CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics Conspiracy to Distribute CDS/Distribute Narcotics CDS: Possess-Not Cannabis Bond: Released on $10,000.00 unsecured bond

Marcus Shaquille Cropper Possession of a Firearm/Drug Trafficking Crime CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics Conspiracy to Distribute Narcotics Bond: Held without Bond

Dewayne Ellsworth Cane Conspiracy to Distribute Narcotics (4 counts) Bond: Held without bond

Tirrell Termaine Sample CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics CDS: Possess Not-Cannabis Bond: Held without bond in Virginia

Kavon Randy Conquest CDS: Possess Large amount, Not Cannabis CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics Bond: Held without bond

Deangela Renee Morton Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I or II drug Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of a Schedule I or II drug Bond: Released on bond in Virginia

WANTED La’Quan Alexander Townsend