A joint law enforcement effort has dismantled two multi-state drug trafficking operations, leading to charges against 19 defendants and 13 federal arrests across Maryland and West Virginia. U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced the disruption, emphasizing the coordinated work of law enforcement in making communities safer.
The two organizations allegedly distributed large quantities of cocaine and cocaine base in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties over a two-year period. One operation, led by Rohan Broadie, Aneteneh Zewde Terfe, and Marvin A. Taaff from the Baltimore and Greenbelt, Maryland areas, involved 15 defendants. This group reportedly used multiple residences for drug storage and distribution, possessed firearms, and handled significant cash proceeds. Omari Obeng Stewart is accused of routinely traveling between Maryland and West Virginia to supply and sell drugs. Several defendants face charges related to a conspiracy involving over five kilograms of cocaine and 28 grams of cocaine base.
The second organization, headed by brothers Jorfory and Joroy Twyman of Ranson, West Virginia, is accused of distributing over 500 grams of cocaine and quantities of cocaine base in and around Jefferson County. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted searches of homes and storage units, seizing tens of thousands of dollars, cocaine, and luxury items believed to be drug proceeds.
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec said, "Tearing this drug operation out from our communities across two states means ridding our neighborhoods of the poison and violence that tears families apart." Christopher Goumeis, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division, added that the investigation reflects "the dangerous reality we continue to face in America, where criminals choose to poison communities through drug trafficking while arming themselves with illegal weapons."
Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C. highlighted the power of partnership, noting that "today, that collaboration has resulted in 14 alleged drug dealers being removed from our streets." Six defendants remain at large, and authorities encourage anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.
This initiative is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), established by Executive Order 14159, which aims to eliminate criminal cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The HSTF leverages interagency collaboration to investigate and prosecute crimes, with a focus on child trafficking and removing violent criminal aliens.