A sprawling federal indictment has brought down a notorious Northeast drug crew, according to officials. The Metropolitan Police Department, along with federal law enforcement partners, launched a months-long probe into the gang, believed to be peddling narcotics throughout the District's Carver Langston neighborhood. In a statement to the public by the MPD, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith praised the operation, "This is just the latest example of the diligent work the men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department are putting in around the clock to hold those who are preying on our communities accountable."
On May 13, 2024, a U.S. District Court signed off on a 17-count indictment that went public on Monday. Two days following, a vast takedown by 300 officers and agents from the MPD, DEA, FBI, and the United States Attorney’s Office resulted in fifteen arrests. During the operation, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants, uncovering drugs, weapons, over $23,000 in cash, and a trove of ammunition, as outlined in an announcement by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Charges were wide-ranging, including Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Aiding and Abetting, and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence or Dangerous Offense. Among those indicted were Jamiek Divine Bassil, 31, of Northwest, and Damien Antonio Jenkins, 34, of Capitol Heights, MD. The suspects now face significant prison time if convicted.
Additional arrests stemmed from search warrants related to the investigation. Suspects such as 23-year-old Jahru Gathers, charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition, and 22-year-old Ahmed Bailey, charged with intent to distribute a controlled substance, were netted in the sweep. Twenty firearms, large-capacity magazines, and a variety of drugs including fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and PCP were seized during warrants executed across the District.
According to Chief Smith's statement obtained by the Metropolitan Police Department's press release, these efforts are intended to bring "immediate relief" to the neighborhoods terrorized by this criminal group. The department and its federal partners are determined to deploy their full resources to crack down on illegal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of the community.
