BALTIMORE, MD—A drug trafficking organization that operated in the Belair-Parkside neighborhood is now facing federal charges with 10 accused members indicted, the State’s Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, September 23, 2024.

The organization, described as “4200”, was investigated by the Baltimore Police Department’s Group Violence Enforcement Team, as part of the City’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, in the 4200-block of Nicholas Avenue, the 4200-block of Sheldon Avenue, and the 4300-block of Belair Road, which had been the focus of numerous open-air drug markets in recent months.

The investigation led to the arrest of 10 people, who were identified as:

• Davon Butler
• Taquan Lee
• George Lee
• Tykala Donaldson
• Romiyo Testaye
• Jason Williams
• Gerard Anderson
• Louis Brown
• Terrell Cloude
• Shamika Watson

The State’s Attorney’s Office says that the suspects were part of a drug-dealing organization that referred to themselves as “4200” and that were involved in the distribution of suspected cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.

“This investigation secured the indictments of 10 individuals terrorizing the surrounding community and jeopardizing the safety and well-being of countless families,” State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates said in a statement.

“I want to thank my Narcotics Unit, BPD’s Group Violence Enforcement Team, and the Mayor’s Office for their vigilance and collaboration to rid Belair-Parkside of this criminal element that threatened the neighborhood daily. Our fight to keep Baltimore safe continues, and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect our communities.”

The police department says that eight search and seizure warrants were executed on properties connected to the drug organization, including the Royal Tobacco & Grocery store located at 4335 Belair Road, where one of the suspects lived.

The search and seizures resulted in the seizure of numerous illegal weapons, including nine guns, including an AR-style rifle, and 120 grams of cocaine, the police department said.

“This takedown is yet another example of how GVRS is working to make Baltimore safer by going after violent groups responsible for driving crime in our communities,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We know that drug trafficking and illegal firearms are closely associated with acts of violence. We have been clear from the beginning that anyone, like the 10 individuals included in this indictment, who violates the strategy’s mandate to put down the guns and cease activities associated with violence will face the consequences. I want to thank our partners at the State’s Attorney’s Office, BPD, and MONSE for their work to hold this group accountable.”

“This case exemplifies the strong collaboration among our law enforcement partners in tackling illegal drug distribution and firearm possession,” said Commissioner Richard Worley. “I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the Baltimore Police Department, GVET, and everyone involved in the GVRS. Together, we are making Baltimore safer and achieving historic reductions in violence.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.