Two multi-state drug trafficking organizations were dismantled with 13 federal arrests in Maryland and West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced on June 2. The coordinated law enforcement effort resulted in the charging of nineteen defendants as part of a Homeland Security Task Force initiative.
“Thanks to the tireless, coordinated work of law enforcement across multiple states, our communities are now safer,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey. “Our focus now turns to ensuring these individuals are held fully accountable for the harm they caused.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said during a press conference in Martinsburg, West Virginia, following the takedown, “Together … we were able to collect evidence, execute search warrants, and mete out justice properly to safeguard our communities. We took no shortcuts.” FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec added, “Tearing this drug operation out from our communities across two states means ridding our neighborhoods of the poison and violence that tears families apart. Months of painstaking investigative work conducted by every partner agency led to unleashing the full force of the law to destroy this network fueling violence and addiction. The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners state loud and clear: crime will pay a heavy price in this region, and we will not stop in the pursuit of keeping your community safe.”
According to indictments filed in court, one organization led by Rohan Broadie (also known as Glama G), Aneteneh Zewde Terfe, and Marvin A. Taaff operated out of Baltimore and Greenbelt, Maryland, using multiple residences for storage and distribution over a two-year period; members allegedly possessed firearms for their activities while handling large amounts of cash proceeds from cocaine sales throughout Berkely and Jefferson Counties. Omari Obeng Stewart (also known as O) was identified as routinely traveling between Maryland and West Virginia for supply coordination. Several defendants face conspiracy charges involving over five kilograms of cocaine.
The second group was led by brothers Jorfory (Foy) Twyman and Joroy (Roy) Twyman from Ranson, West Virginia; they allegedly distributed over 500 grams of cocaine around Jefferson County with drugs stored at several locations where authorities seized cash, narcotics, and luxury items believed purchased with illicit proceeds.
Special Agent Eric Weindorf from Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C., said, “Today’s arrests demonstrate the power of partnership in action… Each agency contributes unique authorities and expertise… that collaboration has resulted in 14 alleged drug dealers being removed from our streets.” Six defendants remain at large; anyone with information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement offices.
This case is part of an initiative under Executive Order 14159 aiming at eliminating criminal cartels operating within U.S. borders through interagency cooperation focused on investigating crimes including child trafficking or those involving children.
The Justice Department serves as the principal federal agency for law enforcement with more than 115,000 employees operating domestically and internationally; it focuses on upholding rule of law while safeguarding civil rights under leadership currently provided by its 86th Attorney General Merrick Garland since March 2021, according to its official website.