Raid leads to record-breaking fentanyl seizure in St. Mary's County

GREAT MILLS, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) has made a record-breaking fentanyl seizure from a home in Great Mills and arrested three people in connection to the case.

SMCSO's Criminal Investigations Division raided a home in the 22000 block of Towey Ct. on Thursday, recovering 1,057.81 grams of fentanyl and 294.13 grams of cocaine. Deputies say they also recovered significant quantities of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and controlled prescription medications, along with $9,740 in cash. Other items seized from the home include three vehicles, a digital scale, packaging materials, a shotgun, and four cellular phones. 

SMCSO says a concurrent raid on a separate residence in Lexington Park also led to the recovery of additional cash, a cell phone, and more controlled substances. 

“This is the largest seizure of fentanyl ever made in St. Mary’s County," Sheriff Steve Hall said. "It points to the scope of the problem we face daily to keep our community safe from this dangerous and deadly substance. The investigation and seizure are a testament to the level of commitment our deputies have to continue this fight against crime.” 

Great Mills residents James William Blackiston III, 31, Jasmine Samaria Votra, 36, and Willis Matthews Brooks, 43, were arrested and charged with four counts of possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Deputies say Brooks was also charged with possession of a firearm with a drug trafficking crime connection. All three suspects were taken to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown to await bond hearings.

This raid comes within a week of another large drug bust in the DMV area. Fairfax County Police say they seized more than 9,400 fentanyl pills from a man on Aug. 2.  The Drug Enforcement Administration's Washington Division reported a 250% rise in fentanyl pill seizures in 2023 — the same year the District and surrounding regions experienced a record increase in opioid overdoses largely driven by fentanyl. 

The Great Mills operation was supported by the SMCSO Emergency Services Team, Patrol Division, and allied partners from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.