BPD dismantles narcotics manufacturing network seizing more than a kilogram of drugs
Baltimore, MD — A targeted investigation into a rise in violent crime culminated in a multi‑agency operation that resulted in two arrests and the seizure of large quantities of suspected cocaine, fentanyl and drug‑manufacturing materials from a commercial building in West Baltimore.
In early September the Baltimore Police Department Group Violence Enforcement Team opened an inquiry after detectives gathered intelligence that suspects were traveling to Delaware to transport controlled dangerous substances into Baltimore. On September 17 a vehicle stop on the Delaware Turnpike produced pressed suspected cocaine, suspected fentanyl and packaging materials tied to the probe.
Following the stop, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at a commercial property in the 5700 block of Baltimore National Pike. The search uncovered materials consistent with narcotics manufacturing and distribution and yielded the following suspected contraband and evidence:
- 1,078 grams of pressed suspected cocaine in brick form
- 124 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 9.96 grams of suspected crack cocaine
- 68 grams of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine mixture
- Manufacturing and packaging materials
Officers arrested 37‑year‑old Brian Alexander Hall and 35‑year‑old Lauren Michelle Beckman, both listed as residents of Baltimore. The arrests followed evidence developed through coordinated investigative steps that included surveillance, a controlled vehicle stop, forensic examination of seized items, and the execution of a court‑authorized search warrant.
Commissioner Richard Worley credited the operation to close coordination among Baltimore Police detectives and federal, state and local partners, noting that the investigation targeted networks that supply drugs linked to violence and addiction in Baltimore. The department acknowledged assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Delaware State Police, Maryland State Police, Baltimore County Police and other local units, and thanked internal units including the Group Violence Enforcement Team, Southwest and Southern District detectives, the Baltimore Community Intelligence Center, Crime Strategies and Intelligence detectives, and the Southwest District Action Team.
The department did not release information about charges beyond the arrests or the suspects’ current custody status. The investigation remains active and additional details may be developed as detectives process evidence and coordinate with partner agencies. <hr style=”border-top:2px solid #000;width:100%”>
Key Points
- Two Baltimore residents were arrested after a multi‑agency probe into narcotics trafficking and violent crime.
- Searches produced more than 1,000 grams of pressed suspected cocaine, 124 grams of suspected fentanyl and additional controlled substances and manufacturing materials.
- The operation involved local and federal partners including the DEA and Delaware State Police and concentrated on suppliers moving drugs into Baltimore.