STATEMENT FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT
Today, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team (CET) and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Joint Community Action Team (JCAT), along with several other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, announced the culmination of a long-term narcotics investigation targeting a major Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO). This DTO was responsible for distributing narcotics throughout the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, as well as Baltimore, MD, and the lower region of Delaware. This operation led to the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs, weapons, and monies associated with the organization. This investigation highlights the commitment of our agencies to protect the community, disrupt violent criminal networks, and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
INVESTIGATION SUMMARY
This investigation began in late 2024, as investigators received information on Desmond Roberts Jr. being involved in CDS transactions in Worcester County, MD. Throughout the earlier months of 2025, investigators utilized numerous means of investigation to determine that Roberts Jr. was involved in a larger scale drug trafficking organization.
Over the course of the operation, investigators utilized surveillance, undercover operations, search warrants, and other coordinated enforcement actions to identify key members and dismantle trafficking routes.
This led to the authorization of a Title III Wiretap investigation involving a total of nineteen (19) telephonic lines being intercepted over the course of several months. Throughout this Wiretap, investigators were able to identify and disrupt individuals who were responsible for supplying our communities with illegal drugs.
ARRESTS AND SEIZURES SUMMARY
The following totals represent an approximate amount at the time of release:
- Total Arrests: 13 (additional arrests pending through indictments)
- Seized Narcotics:
o 42.61 kilograms of cocaine
o 23.8 grams of crack cocaine
o 4.41 kilograms of marijuana
o 3.6 grams of MDMA (ecstasy)
o 36 fentanyl pills
o 8.1 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
o 1.9 grams of heroin
o 5 suboxone strips
- Firearms Recovered: 11
- U.S. Currency Seized: $23,816.00
- Vehicles/Houses Seized: 11 vehicles and 2 residences
- Search and Seizure Warrants: 80 plus
AGENCIES INVOLVED
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team (CET), Maryland State Police (MSP), Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Joint Community Action Team (JCAT), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Washington-Baltimore HIDTA, Accomack County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Impact Unit (ACSOCIU), Salisbury City Police Department (SPD), Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit (DSP SDU), Ocean City Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (OCPD SEU), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Eastern Shore Information Center (ESIC), and Baltimore County Police Department (BPD).
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