Baltimore, Maryland – Federal and local authorities have indicted 19 people in connection with multiple drug trafficking organizations operating in West Baltimore, following a series of mass overdose incidents that have shaken the Penn North community over the past six months, according to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office.
Officials say the indictments stem from long-term investigations into organized drug distribution networks linked to fentanyl-laced substances that sent dozens of people to hospitals and contributed to ongoing public safety concerns in the area.
Mass Overdoses Triggered Expanded Investigations
The indictments follow three mass overdose incidents reported in the Penn North neighborhood since summer.
In July, two separate overdose events sent nearly 32 people to area hospitals. In early October, another incident resulted in seven hospitalizations, with police reporting that 11 additional individuals had also overdosed in the same area.
“These incidents highlighted a dangerous concentration of illicit drug activity,” authorities said, prompting coordinated investigations by local and federal agencies.
State’s Attorney Ivan Bates described the situation as a severe threat to public safety.
“The concentration of Drug Trafficking Organizations in the Penn North Area is not only unacceptable from a quality-of-life standpoint, but it is also extremely dangerous, as evidenced by the ongoing violence and overdoses in that neighborhood,” Bates said.
First Drug Trafficking Group Linked to Fentanyl Sales
In January, the Baltimore Police Department’s Group Violence Unit began investigating a drug trafficking group operating around the 700 block of Cumberland Street and the 1700 block of North Carey Street.
According to court documents, the group sold heroin, fentanyl marketed as “550,” and cocaine. Investigators identified multiple alleged members, including Dominic Lambert, Kevin Fowlkes, Clifton Bryant, Shawn Williams, Eric Morris, Antonio Thornton, and a juvenile.
Police executed arrest and search warrants on November 12, seizing a significant cache of narcotics and weapons, including:
- Nearly 660 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 1,300 capsules of suspected fentanyl
- Drug manufacturing equipment
- Three handguns
- Approximately $10,000 in U.S. currency
Authorities said the volume of drugs recovered indicated large-scale distribution rather than personal use.
Second Drug Network Operating Nearby
During the same investigation, detectives uncovered a second drug trafficking organization operating near the 1700 block of North Calhoun Street.
This group allegedly sold fentanyl marketed as “Six-Nine” along with cocaine. Those named in the indictment include Genard Hope, Damon Grady, Eric Briggs, Deonta Carter, Travis Smith, Dejuane Hicks, and Jamie Hawkins.
A search conducted on August 1 led to the recovery of additional drugs and firearms, including:
- 500 grams of suspected fentanyl/heroin
- 300 capsules of suspected fentanyl/heroin
- 28 grams of suspected cocaine
- 2.5 pounds of suspected cannabis
- Crack cocaine in vials and loose form
- 120 grams of a cutting agent
- A sawed-off shotgun
- A Polymer 80 9mm handgun
DEA officials emphasized the danger posed by fentanyl being disguised as other drugs.
“This unscrupulous and violent drug trafficking organization preyed on the citizens of West Baltimore, selling heroin laced with fentanyl disguised as other substances,” said DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Goumenis.
Separate Probe Focused on July Overdose Cluster
After the first mass overdose in July, police launched another investigation centered around the 2100 block of Brunt Street. Officers reviewed security footage, CCTV recordings, and body camera video, identifying individuals suspected of distributing toxic narcotics.
Court records indicate that following the July 10 overdose, drug dealers temporarily moved operations away from West North Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, setting up new sales locations nearby.
That group allegedly included Shawn Oliver, Kevin Malone, Donte Drummond, Camron Harrison, and a juvenile. Over a five-month investigation, police determined the group was selling fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
Searches led to the seizure of:
- Crack cocaine in multiple forms
- Drug packaging materials
- Four pills of suspected MDMA
- Handguns and magazines
- Nearly $17,600 in cash
Ongoing Impact on Community Safety
Officials say the indictments represent a major step toward disrupting drug distribution networks blamed for repeated overdose emergencies in West Baltimore. Authorities stressed that fentanyl remains a leading driver of overdose deaths and warned residents about the risks of contaminated street drugs.
The cases remain active, and additional charges are possible as investigations continue.
Residents with information related to drug activity or overdose incidents are encouraged to contact law enforcement. Share your experiences or concerns in the comments below.
