(ANNAPOLIS, MD) – A cooperative multi-jurisdictional drug investigation has led to seven arrests with more expected as police dismantle a drug trafficking organization they believe was responsible for the distribution of heroin and fentanyl throughout Maryland.

The first suspect is identified as Traymont Wiley, age 27, of Columbia, MD.  Wiley is charged with being a drug kingpin (heroin and fentanyl), conspiracy to distribute narcotics (heroin and fentanyl) and multiple criminal charges pertaining to criminal gang participation. Following his arrest at his home in Columbia, Wiley was taken into custody and held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, MD.

The second suspect is identified as Vincent Clark, age 26, of Arnold, MD.  Clark is charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics (heroin and fentanyl), and multiple criminal charges pertaining to criminal gang participation. Following his arrest at his home in Arnold, Clark was taken into custody and is being held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, MD.

The third suspect is identified as Willie Rhodes, age 28, of Annapolis, MD. Rhodes is charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics (heroin and fentanyl), and multiple criminal charges pertaining to criminal gang participation.  Following his arrest at his home in Annapolis, Rhodes was taken into custody and is being held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, MD.

The fourth suspect is identified as Quentin Jones, age 32, of no fixed address.  Jones was charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics (heroin and fentanyl), and multiple criminal charges pertaining to criminal gang participation.  Following his arrest at a hotel in Bowie, Jones was taken into custody and is being held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis MD

The fifth suspect is identified as Ashley Jaxel, age 29, of Upper Marlboro. Jaxel was charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics (heroin and fentanyl).  Following her arrest at her home in Upper Marlboro, Jaxel was taken into custody and is being held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, MD.

The sixth suspect is identified as Ronald McElwain, age 33, of Baltimore. McElwain was charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics (heroin and fentanyl).  Following his arrest at his home in Baltimore, McElwain was taken into custody and is being held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, MD.

The seventh suspect is identified as Timothy Aminzadeh, age 43, of Annapolis. Aminzadeh was charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics (heroin and fentanyl).  Following his arrest, Aminzadeh was taken into custody and is being held pending a bail review at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, MD.

The investigation began in the fall of 2015 and was led by the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division, Central South Narcotics Unit, in partnership with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office. Information developed during the investigation indicates the seven arrestees were part of a drug trafficking operation supplying drugs, especially heroin and fentanyl throughout Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, Baltimore City and Baltimore County.   Evidence recovered during the investigation includes 622.1 grams of heroin / fentanyl, 115.5 grams of marijuana, 2819.9 grams of suspected cocaine analogue, 52 prescription pills, $29,166.00 in US currency, 5 vehicles and 74 cell phones.

The arrests of the seven suspects occurred between June 20 and June 27, 2018. During the investigation, police served several search warrants and were assisted by agents from Homeland Security Investigations, officers from the Annapolis City Police Department and the Anne Arundel County Police Department.  The Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office was also actively involved in providing guidance and support to police during this investigation.  The suspect charged as a drug kingpin will be prosecuted on those charges in Anne Arundel County. Additional arrests and charges are anticipated as this investigation continues.

“Working together and building these partnerships is the key to uncovering the criminal organizations driving the local drug trade,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams. “We will continue to develop this network of law enforcement agencies as we cooperate to combat the illegal distribution of opioids in our county.”

“The cooperative, multi-jurisdictional focus of Maryland State Police criminal investigations is aimed at taking down major drug traffickers responsible for bringing heroin and other illegal drugs into the state,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William Pallozzi said.  “I applaud the partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement officials who are working together to disrupt drug dealing operations.”

The investigation is continuing.  Additional arrests and charges are expected.