BALTIMORE – Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials announced Wednesday the dismantling of four criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, firearm offenses, and violent crime in southwest Baltimore, marking the largest coordinated crime takedown in the city in decades. The investigation resulted in federal charges for two defendants, Ivan Roman and Andre Berry, and state charges against 40 others for crimes tied to the distribution of narcotics and firearms.
The investigation, part of the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), uncovered extensive illegal activity in neighborhoods surrounding Lemmon Street, Pratt Street, Millington Avenue, and Edmondson Avenue. Over the course of nearly a year, law enforcement seized 65 firearms, including ghost guns and automatic weapons, as well as 7.25 kilograms of suspected cocaine, three kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl mixture, 110 pounds of marijuana, $373,275.50 in cash, body armor, and 15 stolen vehicles. Authorities also thwarted violent incidents, including an armed robbery and a territorial dispute among rival gangs.
“This operation proves that we’ve taken the Strike Force to the next level in combating violent crime in the Baltimore region,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “Violent offenders better beware, we are a force-multiplier for the work of our state and local partners on the ground.”
During the investigation, law enforcement identified several sources of fentanyl and cocaine being imported from outside Maryland, including a significant supply transported from New York. Search warrants executed earlier this month yielded six firearms, 525 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl mixture, 340 grams of suspected cocaine, and over $9,700 in drug proceeds.
State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates highlighted the collaborative nature of the operation, stating, “Dismantling these operations marks a significant step forward in our mission to protect our communities from the dangers of illegal drugs and violence. We are not only disrupting the flow of dangerous narcotics but also sending a strong message that Baltimore will not tolerate criminal operations that threaten the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Defendants face a range of charges, including managing and participating in criminal organizations, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, unlawful firearm sales, and, in some cases, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery. The investigation, part of the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force, is ongoing and aims to disrupt violent criminal enterprises in the Baltimore area.
This sweeping operation sends a clear message: Baltimore’s law enforcement agencies and partners are united in their commitment to rooting out violent crime and criminal organizations.