Governor Wes Moore joined Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis on April 7, 2026, in Salisbury, Maryland, to announce the completion of a yearlong multi-jurisdictional investigation that dismantled the Roberts Jr. Drug Trafficking Organization. The effort produced one of the largest cocaine seizures recorded on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, with authorities arresting nine individuals and seizing 42.61 kilograms of cocaine along with additional drugs, 11 firearms and more than $23,000 in cash.
The investigation, which started in late 2024 in Worcester County, expanded across the Eastern Shore and into Baltimore, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Delaware. Law enforcement used surveillance, undercover operations, search warrants and a Title III wiretap to target the network responsible for distributing narcotics in the region. Officials described the operation as a coordinated strike against organized crime that removed millions of dollars’ worth of illegal drugs from circulation.
In addition to the 42.61 kilograms of cocaine, authorities seized 23.8 grams of crack cocaine, 4.41 kilograms of marijuana, 36 fentanyl pills and 1.9 grams of heroin. The 11 recovered firearms and cash further weakened the organization’s capacity to operate. Sheriff Lewis called the cocaine seizure the largest ever made on the Eastern Shore and the largest in Wicomico County history.
“As governor, I have no higher priority than the safety of our people, and I have neither patience nor tolerance for violent criminals,” Moore said. “Alongside our local and federal partners, we have delivered one of the largest drug busts in state history—securing a safer future for the Eastern Shore and our entire state. This is what happens when we prioritize results, and this is why our administration is backing this success with the largest law enforcement investment in the history of the State of Maryland.”
Sheriff Lewis emphasized the teamwork involved. “Today, we are announcing the largest cocaine seizure ever made on the Eastern Shore of Maryland,” he said. “This is a direct result of the hard-working men and women of law enforcement who work day and night in service to our communities. In partnership with our allied local agencies throughout the region, to include the Maryland State Police, the DEA and HSI, and with financial support through the Governor’s office of Crime Control and Prevention, we have achieved the largest cocaine seizure in Wicomico County history. This operation alone has removed millions of dollars’ worth of poison from our streets and dealt a significant blow to the criminal organizations bringing it into our communities.”
Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli added that the case originated in his county. “This investigation, which began right here in Worcester County and expanded across the state and throughout the region, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting our communities and holding those who traffic illegal drugs accountable,” he said. “This operation resulted in one of the largest drug seizures our office has ever been a part of, and that success is a direct reflection of the relentless dedication of our Criminal Enforcement Team and our law enforcement partners.”
The Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network, coordinated by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, supported the operation with $67,434 in grant funding. The network facilitates data sharing and collaboration among agencies to target criminal organizations operating across borders. Under the Moore-Miller Administration, the network has advanced 62 awards totaling nearly $20 million and overseen more than $34 million in total assets seized. Since its inception, it has helped disrupt more than 3,900 criminal organizations, remove more than 4,800 illegal firearms and seize nearly $80 million in drugs, cash and other assets.
Dorothy Lennig, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, highlighted the program’s role. “Our Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network is a powerful tool used to track, investigate, and dismantle dangerous criminal organizations operating in the Mid-Atlantic region,” she said. “Criminals operate across borders—and our MCIN program allows our law enforcement partners to do the same.”
Lt. Col. Kenny L. Brown, chief of the Maryland State Police Criminal Investigations Bureau, noted the value of partnerships. “Partnerships between the Maryland Department of State Police and all of our allied agencies are critical to the public safety services we provide throughout the state,” he said. “The cross-jurisdictional approach and criminal information sharing is undoubtedly making a positive impact on our communities.”
Agencies involved 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.
The announcement aligns with the Moore-Miller Administration’s focus on public safety. Governor Moore’s proposed FY 2027 budget includes a record $124.1 million to support law enforcement through programs such as the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network. State officials report historic drops in violent crime across Maryland while continuing efforts to equip law enforcement and strengthen communities.
This operation demonstrates how targeted collaboration and sustained investment can disrupt major drug networks that cross jurisdictional lines. By combining local knowledge with state and federal resources, authorities delivered measurable results that directly affect safety on the Eastern Shore.
