Baltimore, MD – Baltimore authorities seized nearly 1,200 grams of illicit drugs and arrested two individuals connected to a drug supplier operating in the city’s Mount Clare and Pigtown neighborhoods. The operation comes amid rising concerns over violent crime and open-air drug markets in southwest, western, and southern Baltimore.
Arrests and Seized Substances
The suspects arrested are 37-year-old Brian Alexander Hall and 35-year-old Lauren Michelle Beckman, both residents of Baltimore. Authorities recovered the following during their investigation:
- 1,078 grams of suspected pressed cocaine
- 124 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 9.96 grams of suspected crack cocaine
- 68 grams of a suspected fentanyl/meth mixture
- Manufacturing and packing materials
The operation was coordinated between Baltimore police and Delaware State Police, following intelligence indicating the suspects were transporting drugs from Delaware into Baltimore. A traffic stop on the Delaware Turnpike on September 12 led to the initial seizure of cocaine, fentanyl, and packing materials.
Investigation Details
The Group Violence Enforcement Team launched the investigation in early September, targeting individuals contributing to local violence and the drug supply chain. After the traffic stop, investigators executed a search warrant at a commercial building on the 5700 block of Baltimore National Pike, where the majority of drugs and materials were recovered.
“Together, we are disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks that fuel violence and addiction in our communities,” said Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley.
Previous Drug Busts in Baltimore
This operation follows an earlier bust in September, where six people were arrested in the Carrollton Ridge neighborhood. Law enforcement recovered:
- One kilogram of suspected fentanyl
- 1,100 suspected fentanyl capsules
- A rifle and Polymer80 ghost gun
- $16,127 in cash
- Large amounts of packing materials
Those arrested included Eric Taylor, Derrick Stewart, Matthew Brown, Natasha Wilkins, Elijah Dukes, and a 17-year-old female. The operation targeted drug trafficking networks contributing to local violence.
Baltimore City Council Pushes for Action
The Baltimore City Council is urging law enforcement and health officials to dismantle open-air drug markets. During a Public Safety Committee meeting on September 9, Councilmember Mark Conway requested a comprehensive plan to address these markets within 60 days.
“This has been a recurring issue that we know we have to address. We have made significant progress in violence, but complaints persist that prevent people from feeling safe in their own homes,” Conway said.
Commissioner Worley emphasized that while comprehensive action is underway, eliminating every open-air market will take time.
“We want to ultimately get the suppliers of the drugs, arrest the users, and ensure wrap-around services when they go to jail. There are so many open-air drug markets—we’re not going to be able to shut down every one immediately,” Worley said.
Community Impact and Safety
Authorities are calling on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The targeted arrests and seizures aim to curb violence and drug-related crime in affected neighborhoods, ensuring public safety and reducing the reach of illicit drug suppliers.
Conclusion
The latest Baltimore drug bust highlights continued efforts by law enforcement to dismantle trafficking networks, reduce violent crime, and respond to community concerns about open-air drug markets. Residents are encouraged to stay alert, cooperate with authorities, and follow official updates as further actions are carried out.
What are your thoughts on Baltimore’s efforts to curb open-air drug markets? Share your views in the comments below.
