Salisbury, MD – According to Delmarva Now, Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined local law enforcement officials on April 7, 2026, to reveal the results of a year-long investigation that dismantled a major drug trafficking organization operating in the Salisbury area and beyond.
The operation targeted the Roberts Jr. Drug Trafficking Organization, leading to the arrest of nine individuals and the confiscation of substantial quantities of narcotics and weapons. Authorities seized more than 42 kilograms of cocaine, along with 11 firearms and over $23,000 in cash. This bust marked one of the largest cocaine seizures ever recorded on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Governor Moore emphasized the state’s commitment to public safety during the announcement at the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. “As governor, I have no higher priority than the safety of our people, and I have neither patience nor tolerance for violent criminals,” Moore stated. He highlighted the collaborative effort with local and federal partners, describing it as one of the biggest drug operations in state history. Moore also noted that his administration has invested record funds in law enforcement to support such initiatives, ensuring officers have the necessary resources to maintain community security.
The investigation, which commenced in late 2024, spanned four states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Delaware. It focused on narcotics distribution across the Eastern Shore, including Baltimore. Law enforcement employed surveillance, undercover work, search warrants, and a Title III wiretap to identify and apprehend key members of the network.
In addition to the primary cocaine haul of 42.61 kilograms, officers recovered 23.8 grams of crack cocaine, 4.41 kilograms of marijuana, 36 fentanyl pills, and 1.9 grams of heroin. The seizure of 11 firearms underscored the violent potential of the organization.
The effort involved a broad coalition of agencies, demonstrating inter-jurisdictional cooperation. Participating entities included the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team, Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Joint Community Action Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington-Baltimore HIDTA, Accomack County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Impact Unit, Salisbury City Police Department, Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit, Ocean City Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, Eastern Shore Information Center, and Baltimore County Police Department. This multi-agency approach, bolstered by the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network, was crucial to the operation’s success.
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis praised the dedication of the involved personnel. “Today, we are announcing the largest cocaine seizure ever made on the Eastern Shore of Maryland,” Lewis said. He credited the partnership with state and federal agencies, supported by funding from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, for removing millions of dollars worth of drugs from local streets. Lewis affirmed that efforts to combat organized crime would persist without regard to boundaries.
Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli echoed these sentiments, noting the investigation’s origins in his county and its expansion regionally. “This operation resulted in one of the largest drug seizures our office has ever been a part of,” Crisafulli remarked. He expressed pride in his team’s work and reiterated a firm stance against drug-related criminal activity.
The bust represents a significant victory for law enforcement in Wicomico County and surrounding areas, disrupting a network that posed serious threats to community safety. Officials indicated that further investigations into related activities are ongoing, signaling continued vigilance against drug trafficking in the region. For more information, visit Delmarva Now.