Baltimore, MD — A major drug trafficking operation tied to heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine distribution in North Baltimore has been dismantled, leading to federal charges against several men and the seizure of firearms and hundreds of grams of narcotics, officials announced.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland confirmed charges against five men following a joint investigation involving the Baltimore Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and other agencies targeting activity in the 500 block of Sheridan Avenue.
Multi-agency investigation targets North Baltimore DTO
Those charged include Omar Gilliam, 43; Derrell Washington Coates, 42; Kevin Harris, 34; Darren Farmer, 36; and Stephen Oliver, 38.
Gilliam, Washington Coates, Harris, and Farmer are each charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Oliver faces separate distribution charges, while both Gilliam and Oliver are additionally charged with firearm trafficking and illegal possession due to prior felony convictions.
Authorities said the investigation, which spanned from August 2025 through March 2026, relied heavily on confidential informants who conducted controlled purchases of drugs and firearms from members of the organization.
Controlled buys and surveillance built the case
Investigators conducted at least 15 controlled drug purchases involving Gilliam, including transactions that also involved firearms. Additional controlled buys were linked to other defendants, including eight purchases from Oliver and multiple transactions involving Farmer and Washington Coates.
Law enforcement tracked the group’s operations across multiple Baltimore-area locations, identifying stash sites and distribution patterns tied to the organization.
On April 8, authorities executed federal search warrants at multiple properties, including several in the 500 block of Sheridan Avenue, leading to the arrest of four suspects. Farmer was arrested later as the investigation continued.
—
Key Points
• Five men charged in federal case tied to North Baltimore drug trafficking ring
• Investigation uncovered heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine distribution network
• Authorities seized firearms and nearly 400 grams of suspected narcotics
—
Weapons and drugs recovered during takedown
During the coordinated operation, investigators recovered numerous firearms along with nearly 400 grams of suspected narcotics, underscoring the scale of the trafficking network.
Officials said the case highlights ongoing efforts to target organizations contributing to drug distribution and violence in Baltimore communities.
“This takedown is a strong example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement at every level works together with a shared commitment to public safety,” Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said in a statement.
Federal and local officials, including U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes and ATF Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, emphasized that the case reflects coordinated enforcement efforts aimed at dismantling organized criminal networks.
Case moves forward in federal court
Authorities stressed that the charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service and Baltimore County Police Department.
Similar joint operations targeting drug and firearm trafficking networks have been a focus of federal and local law enforcement efforts across Maryland.
The investigation remains active as the charged defendants proceed through the federal court system, and no further arrests have been announced.