Baltimore City Wire

Today, law enforcement agencies announced the dismantling of four criminal organizations in southwestern Baltimore. This effort involved multiple jurisdictions and is considered one of the largest takedowns in the city in decades. The investigation focused on groups trafficking narcotics and engaging in violent activities.

Ivan Roman and Andre Berry face federal charges related to firearms and drug distribution. Additionally, 40 individuals have been charged with drug trafficking and firearm offenses by the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City (SAO). This operation is part of Baltimore's Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS).

The investigation, which lasted nearly a year, utilized various methods such as search-and-seizure warrants. Authorities recovered approximately 65 firearms, including ghost guns, body armor, significant quantities of suspected narcotics like cocaine and heroin/fentanyl mixtures, cannabis, cash believed to be from drug sales, and stolen vehicles.

U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron emphasized the collaboration between federal, state, and local partners: “Operation Tornado Alley comes on the heels of our newly executed Baltimore Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force memorandum of understanding between the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”

The SAO has secured 38 state indictments involving four conspiracies across different areas in Baltimore. State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates stated that this operation marks a significant step toward protecting communities from illegal drugs and violence: “Dismantling these operations marks a significant step forward in our mission to protect our communities from the dangers of illegal drugs and violence."

Police Commissioner Richard Worley highlighted the success achieved through partnerships: “This takedown is a powerful example of what we can achieve through strong partnerships and focused investigations.”

DEA's SAC Jarod Forget addressed the opioid crisis: “We are battling an unprecedented drug poisoning epidemic that has claimed thousands of American lives."

ATF's SAC Toni Crosby expressed pride in collaborating with local partners: "ATF remains dedicated to bringing those who illegally possess and use firearms to justice."

Mayor Brandon M. Scott praised the collective efforts involved: "I want to thank State’s Attorney Bates, US Attorney Barron...and our team at MONSE for doing the investigative and enforcement work necessary to incapacitate violent groups plaguing our communities."

The ongoing investigation revealed multiple sources supplying fentanyl and cocaine into Maryland from outside states like New York. Recent search warrants led to further seizures of drugs, firearms, cash believed linked to narcotics sales.

Charges against defendants include managing criminal organizations; conspiracy; firearm trafficking; unlawful sale or possession by prohibited persons; distribution offenses involving fentanyl or cocaine; attempted murder; armed robbery among others.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods aimed at reducing violent crime nationwide alongside OCDETF initiatives targeting major traffickers or gangs impacting regions like Baltimore.

U.S. Attorney Barron commended participating agencies for their roles while thanking prosecutors handling cases federally or locally within Maryland jurisdictional boundaries.

For more information about ongoing efforts by Maryland's U.S Attorneys' office visit www.justice.gov/usao-md