Feds Bust Alleged Drug Trafficking Ring in North Baltimore

Charges filed against several men accused of running drug operation on Sheridan Avenue

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing a white powdery substance, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the physical evidence seized in a federal drug trafficking investigation.Federal authorities seized nearly 400 grams of suspected drugs in a crackdown on an alleged drug trafficking ring in North Baltimore.Baltimore Today

Federal authorities have charged several people in connection with a takedown of an alleged drug-trafficking organization operating in the 500 block of Sheridan Avenue in North Baltimore. The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, resulted in the arrests of five individuals accused of distributing heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine.

Why it matters

Drug trafficking organizations have long plagued certain Baltimore neighborhoods, contributing to crime, addiction, and instability. This coordinated federal crackdown aims to dismantle a specific operation that authorities say has been a persistent problem in the Sheridan Avenue area.

The details

The charges stem from an investigation launched in August 2025 that lasted through last month. Authorities used confidential informants, controlled purchases, surveillance, and other tactics to build their case against the suspects. In total, five men were arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances. Two of the defendants also face gun charges based on prior convictions.

  • The investigation was launched in August 2025 and concluded last month.
  • The arrests took place on April 8, 2026.

The players

Omar Gilliam

A 43-year-old man charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as gun offenses.

Derrell Washington Coates

A 42-year-old man charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Kevin Harris

A 34-year-old man charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Darren Farmer

A 36-year-old man charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Stephen Oliver

A 38-year-old man charged with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as gun offenses.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are always going to focus our investigations on our most-dangerous criminals in order to make the most impactful cases, and very frequently, a factor is going to be their criminal history and whether or not they're repeat offenders.”

— Kelly Hayes, U.S. Attorney

“Using controlled purchases, surveillance, crime gun intelligence, and other means, we were able to establish probable cause to arrest five individuals, as well as serve multiple search warrants to include several on the 500 block of Sheridan Avenue.”

— Charles Doerrer, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Baltimore Field Division

“Any drug-trafficking organization is a hindrance to the neighborhood. I worked this neighborhood in 2009, 2008, when I was in the Northern District, and this same block was a problem back then. It's been, historically, a problem. Hopefully, with these arrests, we can prosecute these individuals and give that community some stabilization and peace.”

— Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Commissioner

What’s next

Prosecutors will seek to convict the defendants on the drug and gun charges, with the goal of disrupting the drug trafficking operation and providing some relief to the Sheridan Avenue neighborhood.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle against drug-related crime in Baltimore, where authorities are targeting high-level dealers and suppliers in an effort to dismantle entrenched drug trafficking organizations that have plagued certain communities for years.