D.C. rapper MoneyMarr has been apprehended and charged with intent to traffic a large amount of the deadliest drug in America, fentanyl.
According to a press release from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, a multi-agency task force recovered 5,000 fentanyl pills shipped from California to Maryland — with the intent to be illegally sold and distributed — during an investigation that began in November 2022.
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The pills, which were stamped to resemble OxyContin were set to be delivered to a single-family home in Waldorf, Maryland but has recently resulted in the indictment of two suspects, MoneyMarr (real name Marvin Bussie), 20, and Quecealla Turner, 22.
The duo has been charged with conspiracy to import a controlled dangerous substance, conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, and other related charges. But, not without effort.
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While Turner was served her indictment, MoneyMarr — who was on the run — was not arrested by the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force until April 4 in Largo, Maryland.
Further, the rapper had an open warrant issued by the DEA, stemming from an instance where he attempted to transport 12,000 fentanyl pills out of an airport in Los Angeles, California a year prior. On April 5, MoneyMarr was ordered to be held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.
“Fentanyl is extremely dangerous in the hands of dealers who often disguise what it is. We are committed to dismantling the networks that traffic dangerous narcotics,” said Sheriff Berry.
“We especially want to recognize the partnerships between the assisting law enforcement agencies who helped in the recovery of these dangerous pills,” he continued. “These arrests reflect successful teamwork among local, state and federal agencies.”
“Whenever someone uses the U.S. Mail to send anything illegal or potentially dangerous, Postal Inspectors will find them and bring them to justice,” said Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge, Washington Division.
Johnny L. Hughes, United States Marshal for the District of Maryland, added: “Fentanyl is killing many of our young people. Unfortunately, those taking these pills do not realize the consequences. This case demonstrates the commitment and strength of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to arrest those responsible for these crimes.”
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In March 2015, DEA issued a nationwide alert identifying fentanyl as a threat to public health and safety. Shortly after, DEA National Heroin Threat Assessment Summary, noted that “beginning in late 2013 and throughout 2014, several states have reported spikes in overdose deaths due to fentanyl and its analog acetyl-fentanyl,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Deaths involving synthetic opioids (largely illicitly made fentanyl) and stimulants (cocaine and methamphetamine) have spiked in recent years, with a rather large uptick during the COVID-19 pandemic — resulting in multi-agency task force efforts to dismantle drug traffickers.
