Seventh guilty plea secured in northwest baltimore "lnd" drug-trafficking case — Crime scene investigation - File Photo.

BALTIMORE, Md. — Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced Tuesday that seven individuals have pleaded guilty in connection with a major drug-trafficking organization that operated in northwest Baltimore. The organization, known as “LND” for Longwood-North-Dukeland, was dismantled following an extensive investigation involving local and federal law enforcement.

The joint investigation, initiated in May 2023 by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit, the Baltimore Police Department, and the DEA, targeted criminal activity in areas around West North Avenue, North Rosedale Street, and Westwood Avenue. Law enforcement conducted undercover purchases of firearms and narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and executed multiple search warrants in January 2024. One raid, at the home of a gun supplier in Baltimore County, uncovered 10 firearms, including two stolen guns, an untraceable “ghost gun,” and two assault rifles.

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Seven defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced, with penalties ranging from supervised probation to 20 years of incarceration. Among them is Roland King, 38, who received the longest sentence to date: 20 years for distributing fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, and illegal firearm possession, with 10 years of the sentence to be served without parole. The supplier, Micquan Leonard, 44, was sentenced to 15 years, with 8 years of active incarceration, for multiple firearms violations.

“Drugs and guns poison our communities and force our neighbors to live in violence and fear,” Attorney General Brown said in a statement. “These investigations took illegal firearms and dangerous drugs off our streets, and the sentences send a clear message to traffickers that they will be held accountable for their criminal behavior.”

Three cases remain open, including the trial of Keon Powell, 32, scheduled for January 7, 2025. Two other defendants, Eric Steven Smith, 59, and Martina Staggers, 52, are currently wanted. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to contact the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office.

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