Seven men were arrested in Baltimore in connection to a drug trafficking operation that state officials say transformed a city street into an "open-air drug market," as reported by CBS Baltimore. The arrests come after a months-long probe into drug activities on the 900 block of North Broadway Street, near the Johns Hopkins medical campus. The group, known as the "Deakyland Boyz," comprised men ranging from 24 to 34 years old.
According to Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates, as reported by CBS News, stating, "Once again, we have dismantled another criminal group proliferating illegal drugs and violence in our city." The operation began in January and, culminated with the execution of seven arrest warrants and five search and seizure warrants on March 1. The investigation included both electronic and physical surveillance tactics.
The FOX Baltimore reports that the individuals arrested have been indicted and include Tyrone Hill, Rashad McNeal, Javon Hall, Davon Harris, Dennis Harlee, Bernard Cure, and Paris Jones. Along with the arrests, law enforcement seized six guns, approximately 80 grams of crack cocaine, about two pounds of cannabis, narcotics, ammunition, and over USD 10,000. The Baltimore Police Group Violence Enforcement Team handled the investigation, which showed the group's alleged involvement in the local drug scene.
Of those arrested, three have already pleaded guilty to drug charges and received sentences of three years of supervised probation while also being referred to ROCA, a violence diversion program. "This takedown is not only a win for public safety in Baltimore but a win for the Gay Street neighborhood," Thomas Donnelly, Deputy State's Attorney said, as per CBS News Baltimore. Meanwhile, the remaining suspects are awaiting critical motion hearings next week.
