March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 46 F

22 Annapolis opiate dealers indicted. 10 in custody, 12 still at large

The Annapolis Police Department announces the indictments of twenty-two Annapolis opiate dealers.  The Annapolis Opiate Initiative spanned six months and involved Annapolis detectives working undercover to make controlled purchases from drug dealers.

The Annapolis Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit made 54 controlled buys in the City of Annapolis and surrounding areas. Multiple purchases were made from the majority of those indicted.  The indictments, resulting from these purchases, will disrupt illegal drug trafficking groups in Annapolis.

Those indicted and arrested are identified as:

  • A 16 year old male from Annapolis, Arrested 10/19/17
  • Sean Cormier, 26 of Pasadena, Arrested 10/19/17
  • Demario Jackson, 22, of Annapolis, Arrested 10/20/17
  • Mario Kaskins, 35, of Annapolis, Arrested 10/18/17
  • Donte Mitchell, 38, of Baltimore, Arrested 10/19/17
  • Albert Parker, 39, of Halethorpe, Arrested 10/18/17
  • Terrell Ridgley, 27, of Annapolis, Arrested 10/18/17 – Also indicted in 2014
  • Ricky Stewart Jr., 33, of Annapolis, Arrested 10/19/17
  • Ronald Young, 39, of Annapolis, Arrested 10/25/17

Those indicted and WANTED are identified as:

  • Aatif Jackson, 24, of Annapolis
  • Abraham Jackson, 23, of Annapolis
  • Charles Hammond III, 36, of Annapolis
  • John Larkins, 52, of Annapolis
  • Kwazia Mitchell, 24, of Annapolis/Glen Burnie
  • Dominique Pratt, 24, of Annapolis
  • Lamont Smith, 26, of Annapolis

In Department of Juvenile Services custody, but not yet served is a 17 year old male from Annapolis.

Five others are wanted by police and their names will be released in the coming days. Additionally, seizure orders were obtained for ten vehicles that were used to deliver narcotics to the undercover officers.  Starting Wednesday, October 18, the Annapolis Police Department began the process of arresting those indicted.

Gavin Buckley - Democrat for Mayor

The city experienced ten fatal overdoses due to opiates in 2016 and 11 so far in 2017.  There have also been 87 non-fatal opiate overdoses reported in 2017.  Officers with the Annapolis Police Department started carrying nasally administered naloxone in June of 2014.  They have administered naloxone in eight overdoses this year.

“These indictments are one part of our effort to combat opiate addiction in the City of Annapolis,” said Annapolis Police Chief Scott Baker. “While enforcement of criminal laws is important we are also proud to be a partner in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County’s outreach to those addicted to illegal drugs.  The dealers indicted are not selling to fund their own addictions, rather using others weaknesses to their own profit.”

Taking away the accessibility to the drugs by getting the dealers off the streets is an incredibly positive step in our fight against opioid and substance abuse in Annapolis,” Mayor Michael Pantelides said.   “I applaud the commitment of our police department in their ongoing efforts fighting crime and the drug trade which resulted in these indictments.

“We need to show drug dealers that law enforcement will not stand idly by as they value their own personal profit over the wellbeing of our citizens,” said State’s Attorney Wes Adams. “We will continue to work day and night to bring them to justice as part of our strategy to end this epidemic.”

The Annapolis Police Department urges citizens to report drug activity.  Citizens can call 410-268-4141 to report drug activity when they see it.  Anonymous tips can be called into 410-280-CLUE (2583).  In an emergency please dial 9-1-1.  Those seeking help to overcome their addiction to opioids can walk into any police or fire station in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County using the Safe Stations Program.

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