A series of coordinated narcotics raids across Washington County has pulled more than a kilogram of suspected cocaine off the streets and landed 13 people in handcuffs, according to local authorities.
Investigators say the Washington County Narcotics Task Force began executing eight search-and-seizure warrants on Feb. 24, mostly in and around Hagerstown. Along with the suspected cocaine, officers reported seizing MDMA pills, roughly fifty Suboxone strips, about one and one-half pounds of marijuana, five firearms (two of them reported stolen), and nearly $2,131 in cash. The operations were carried out with both state and federal partners.
As reported by Tri-State Alert, the task force credited support from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Hagerstown Police Department, Maryland State Police, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security. The outlet detailed the task force's inventory and listed the arrest totals after the latest round of warrants.
Who to call and who was involved
The Washington County Narcotics Task Force’s official page lists a tip line at (301) 223-2632 and the email [email protected] for anyone who wants to share information anonymously. The unit is staffed by Hagerstown Police officers and Washington County Sheriff’s deputies and operates out of the DEA’s Hagerstown Resident Office. According to the county’s description, the task force also works closely with local prosecutors and intelligence analysts during investigations. Washington County's NTF page provides additional background and contact details.
Raids follow earlier drug busts
Recent local coverage suggests this week’s sweeps are part of a longer-running push at what investigators believe are connected distribution networks. In one earlier case, a Jan. 15 search in Hagerstown turned up roughly 99.5 grams of suspected fentanyl and about 60.5 grams of cocaine and led to two arrests. Authorities say these kinds of cases typically involve weeks or months of surveillance work before they reach the point of multiple, coordinated search warrants.
What the charges could look like
Seizures on the scale reported by the task force commonly lead to charges such as distribution or possession with intent to distribute, prosecuted under Maryland’s criminal code as felony offenses. Maryland legislative materials and court analyses reference Criminal Law §5-602 and related provisions when explaining how prosecutors charge higher-volume dealers and seek sentencing enhancements. For a closer look at how those statutes and penalty provisions are applied, see the Maryland legislative materials.
How residents can submit tips
Authorities say the investigations are ongoing and that community tips continue to play a big role in disrupting drug distribution. Residents with information can call the Washington County Narcotics Task Force tip line at 301-223-2632 or email [email protected] to submit anonymous leads. Investigators say they review each tip and will seek additional warrants as evidence develops, while officials have publicly thanked their partner agencies for support in the recent joint operations.
