Martin dandy. Multi-State Drug Bust: 18 Charged in Major Marijuana Trafficking Operation

How did authorities uncover a multi-state drug trafficking ring. What were the key details of the operation spanning from Maryland to California. Who were the main suspects involved and what charges do they face.

Table of Contents

Unveiling the Massive Drug Trafficking Network

A large-scale drug trafficking operation spanning multiple states has been dismantled, resulting in charges against 18 individuals. The network, which primarily dealt in marijuana but also distributed cocaine, steroids, and diverted pharmaceuticals, operated across Maryland, California, Ohio, and New Jersey. Law enforcement agencies executed a coordinated series of raids, seizing substantial quantities of drugs, cash, and assets.

Key Figures in the Operation

Kerem Dayi, 40, of Gambrills – Alleged leader of the drug trafficking ring
Martin Dandy, 31, of Arnold – Charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and money laundering
Alexandros Lineberry, 36, of Arnold – Charged with marijuana conspiracy
Scott Russell Segal, 31, of Glen Burnie – Accused of being a wholesale distributor
Anthony Caesar Santoiemma, 43, of Annapolis – Allegedly involved in money transportation

The Investigation: From Traffic Accident to Major Bust

How did this extensive drug trafficking operation come to light? The investigation began with a seemingly routine traffic accident on January 7. Frederick Thomas, 31, of Glen Burnie, was involved in a car crash on Route 100 at Quarterfield Road in Anne Arundel County. When police officers responded to the scene, they made a startling discovery that would lead to the unraveling of the entire network.

What did the officers find in Thomas’s vehicle? The search revealed:

A shrink-wrapped package containing 590 grams of marijuana
A money counting machine
A tally sheet
126 bank money bands for $2,000 each

This chance discovery provided law enforcement with the crucial lead they needed to launch a full-scale investigation into the drug trafficking operation.

Operational Tactics: From Cross-Country Shipments to Money Laundering

The indictment alleges that the organization employed various sophisticated tactics to move drugs and money across state lines. How did they manage to transport such large quantities of marijuana? According to authorities, the ring used multiple methods:

Regular shipments of at least 20 pounds of marijuana from California and New Jersey to Maryland
Driving between 50 to 400 pounds of marijuana into Maryland on a frequent basis
Utilizing houses rented and managed by organization members to store and move drugs and money

One of the most intriguing aspects of the operation was the method allegedly used to transport drug payments. How did they move large sums of cash across the country? Anthony Caesar Santoiemma is accused of devising an ingenious, albeit illegal, solution:

Sewing money into handbags
Hiring young women to fly these bags from Baltimore Washington International Airport to California

This tactic allowed the organization to move substantial amounts of cash while minimizing suspicion.

The eBay Front: Krush, NYC, LLC

In a bid to legitimize their operations and launder money, the organization allegedly established an eBay-based business. What was the name of this front company? The online auction business was called Krush, NYC, LLC.

How did Krush, NYC, LLC operate as a front for illegal activities?

Sold liquidated shoes, clothing, and accessories on eBay
Operated from a warehouse in Jessup, Maryland
The warehouse allegedly doubled as a distribution center for marijuana
Provided a means to launder drug proceeds through seemingly legitimate transactions

This clever use of e-commerce as a cover for illegal activities demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by modern drug trafficking organizations.

The Raid: A Coordinated Law Enforcement Effort

The culmination of the investigation was a massive, coordinated raid involving approximately 250 law enforcement agents. What was the scope of this operation? The raid targeted:

17 residences and businesses in Maryland
5 locations in New Jersey
1 location in California

What was seized during these raids? The operation resulted in the confiscation of:

At least 30 vehicles
60 pounds of marijuana
$300,000 in cash
35 firearms

This substantial haul underscores the scale and profitability of the drug trafficking operation.

Legal Repercussions: Charges and Potential Sentences

The 18 individuals charged in connection with this drug trafficking ring face severe legal consequences. What are the maximum sentences for the alleged crimes?

Drug conspiracy charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison
Money laundering conspiracy charges come with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison

In addition to potential prison time, the indictment seeks significant financial penalties. What is the monetary judgment being sought? Authorities are pursuing a judgment of at least $10 million.

The forfeiture of assets is also a key component of the legal action. What assets are being targeted for forfeiture?

8 properties
22 bank accounts
24 vehicles

The Broader Impact: Disrupting the Drug Trade

The dismantling of this multi-state drug trafficking organization represents a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing battle against the illegal drug trade. How does this bust impact the broader drug trafficking landscape?

Disruption of supply chains: By targeting a major distribution network, this operation has likely created a significant gap in the marijuana supply across multiple states.
Financial impact: The seizure of assets and cash will deprive the criminal enterprise of resources and make it harder for remaining members to continue operations.
Deterrent effect: High-profile busts like this one may discourage others from engaging in similar activities, knowing the potential consequences.
Intelligence gathering: Information obtained from this investigation could lead to further arrests and the dismantling of connected organizations.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Brisolari of DEA’s Washington Division emphasized the significance of this operation, stating, “The Drug Enforcement Administration, working in partnership with both federal and local law enforcement, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, are bringing to justice 18 members of a narcotic trafficking organization operating throughout the United States.”

Lessons for Law Enforcement and Society

This case provides valuable insights for both law enforcement agencies and society at large. What can we learn from this multi-state drug bust?

The importance of inter-agency cooperation: The success of this operation highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The evolving nature of drug trafficking: The use of e-commerce as a front for illegal activities demonstrates the need for law enforcement to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies.
The role of chance in investigations: The initial discovery stemming from a traffic accident underscores the importance of thorough police work even in seemingly routine situations.
The complexity of modern criminal enterprises: This case reveals the sophisticated methods employed by drug trafficking organizations, including money laundering and the use of legitimate businesses as fronts.
The ongoing challenge of drug enforcement: Despite this significant bust, the broader issue of drug trafficking remains a persistent problem requiring continued vigilance and innovative strategies.

As this case progresses through the legal system, it will undoubtedly provide further insights into the operation of large-scale drug trafficking networks and the methods used to combat them. The outcome of the trials and the long-term impact of this operation on the drug trade in the affected regions will be closely watched by law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public alike.

Community Impact and Public Safety

The dismantling of this drug trafficking organization has significant implications for the communities affected by its operations. How does this bust contribute to public safety and community well-being?

Reduction in drug availability: The seizure of large quantities of marijuana and other drugs may lead to a temporary decrease in their availability on the streets.
Improved neighborhood safety: The closure of stash houses and distribution centers could result in safer neighborhoods, particularly in areas where these properties were located.
Economic impact: The seizure of illegally obtained assets and the disruption of money laundering operations may have positive effects on local economies.
Increased public trust: Successful law enforcement operations can boost community confidence in the ability of authorities to combat crime effectively.

However, it’s important to consider the potential unintended consequences of such large-scale busts. How might this operation affect the local drug landscape?

Power vacuums: The removal of major players in the drug trade could lead to conflicts as other criminal elements vie for control of the market.
Shift in drug preferences: A decrease in marijuana availability might lead some users to turn to other, potentially more dangerous substances.
Adaptation of trafficking methods: Other drug trafficking organizations may learn from this case and develop even more sophisticated methods to avoid detection.

To address these potential issues, what steps can communities and law enforcement take?

Increased drug education and prevention programs
Enhanced support for addiction treatment and recovery services
Continued investment in community policing and relationship-building between law enforcement and residents
Ongoing intelligence gathering and analysis to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics

By taking a comprehensive approach that combines enforcement, education, and community support, authorities can work to ensure that the positive impacts of this operation are long-lasting and contribute to overall public safety and well-being.

Two Arnold Residents Among 18 Charged in Multi-State Drug Bust

Annapolis, MD
Severna Park, MD
Anne Arundel, MD
Edgewater-Davidsonville, MD
Glen Burnie, MD
Crofton, MD
Odenton-Severn, MD
Bowie, MD
Dundalk, MD
Arbutus, MD

Maryland

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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

Crime & Safety

Authorities said money was sewn into handbags and flown with women across the country as payment for drug shipments.

Anna Staver, Neighbor

Posted Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 5:53 pm ET|Updated Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 5:57 pm ET

Ten Anne Arundel County residents have been charged in connection with the operation of a large, multi-state, drug trafficking organization that spanned from Maryland to California.

Of the list of suspects arrested, two are from Arnold.

Martin Dandy, 31, of Arnold has been charged by indictment with conspiring to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and with conspiring to launder the drug proceeds. Alexandros Lineberry, 36, of Arnold, is charged by complaint with marijuana conspiracy.

Find out what’s happening in Broadneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The Drug Enforcement Administration, working in partnership with both federal and local law enforcement, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, are bringing to justice 18 members of a narcotic trafficking organization operating throughout the United States,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Brisolari of DEA’s Washington Division in a press release. “As a result of this investigation, numerous properties, vehicles and bank accounts have been seized totalling millions of dollars.”

The complaint was filed on Monday but was unsealed on Tuesday along with indictments after the execution of search warrants at 17 residences and businesses in Maryland, five in New Jersey and one in California.

Find out what’s happening in Broadneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Approximately 250 law enforcement agents participated in the execution of the search and arrest warrants on Tuesday, according to the release. At least 30 vehicles, 60 pounds of marijuana, $300,000 in cash and 35 firearms were seized.

Officials also arrested two other Marylanders, two men from New Jersey, a man from Texas and a man from Minnesota.

The investigation started when Frederick Thomas 31, of Glen Burnie, was in a car accident on Route 100 at Quarterfield Road in Anne Arundel County on Jan. 7, officials said. Anne Arundel County police officers reportedly discovered a shrink-wrapped package with 590 grams of marijuana, a money counting machine, a tally sheet and 126 bank money bands for $2,000, according to authorities.

The indictment alleges that Kerem Dayi, 40, of Gambrills, was the leader of a multi-state drug trafficking ring dealing primarily in marijuana, but also dealing in cocaine, steroids and diverted pharmaceuticals.

Dayi is accused of using contacts in California and New Jersey to ship at least 20 pounds of marijuana and to drive between 50 to 400 pounds into Maryland on a regular basis. The indictment alleges that he used houses rented and managed by members of his organization to move the drugs and money between Maryland, California, Ohio and New Jersey.

Anthony Caesar Santoiemma, 43, of Annapolis, is accused of being one of those members. According to the indictment, Santoiemma would sew money into handbags and hire young women to fly these bags from Baltimore Washington International Airport to California as payment for the shipments.

According to the affidavits, Dayi then supplied the marijuana to Scott Russell Segal, 31, of Glen Burnie. Segal is accused of being Dayi’s wholesale distributor for Anne Arundel County and maintaining a stash house off Interstate 97.

The organization also allegedly established an eBay online auction business named Krush, NYC, LLC, to use as a front for marijuana distribution and to launder money.

Krush sold liquidated shoes, clothing and accessories on eBay from a warehouse in Jessup. The warehouse was also allegedly used to distribute marijuana.

The indictment seeks a judgment of at least $10 million and the forfeiture of eight properties, 22 bank account and 24 vehicles, according to the release.

All of the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison for the drug conspiracy, and the 14 defendants charged in the indictment with money laundering conspiracy face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Initial appearances of the defendants arrested in Maryland began at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.

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