Guns, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Seized in Traffic Stop Near Halfway

Two Washington County residents arrested on drug and firearm charges after search of vehicle.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun magazine filled with ammunition, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The recovery of firearms during a drug-related traffic stop underscores the dangerous intersection of the opioid crisis and illegal gun violence.Hagerstown Today

The Washington County Narcotics Task Force, in a joint operation with the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Hagerstown Police Department, conducted a traffic stop near Halfway that led to the recovery of two firearms, approximately 80 grams of fentanyl, 5 grams of cocaine, and nearly $600 in cash. Two individuals, Tanika Kornegan and John R. Smith, both from Hagerstown, were arrested and charged with various drug and firearm offenses.

Why it matters

This bust highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to combat the opioid crisis and illegal drug trade in the Tri-State region. The seizure of firearms along with the drugs underscores the dangerous nature of these operations and the risks posed to public safety.

The details

During a traffic stop on April 1, a Washington County Sheriff's Deputy observed suspicious activity and requested a K9 unit from the Hagerstown Police Department. The K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, leading to a search that uncovered two firearms, approximately 80 grams of fentanyl, 5 grams of cocaine, and nearly $600 in cash. Tanika Kornegan and John R. Smith were arrested and charged with multiple drug and firearm offenses.

  • The traffic stop occurred during the morning hours of Wednesday, April 1.
  • The Washington County Narcotics Task Force, Washington County Sheriff's Office, and Hagerstown Police Department conducted the joint operation.

The players

Washington County Narcotics Task Force

A multi-agency law enforcement task force responsible for investigating drug-related crimes in the Tri-State region.

Washington County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency for Washington County, Maryland, which participated in the traffic stop and search.

Hagerstown Police Department

The local police department in Hagerstown, Maryland, which provided a K9 unit to assist in the traffic stop and search.

Tanika Kornegan

A Hagerstown, Maryland resident who was arrested and charged with drug and firearm offenses.

John R. Smith

A Hagerstown, Maryland resident who was arrested and charged with drug and firearm offenses.

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What they’re saying

“If you would like to provide anonymous information to the Washington County Narcotics Task Force, please contact us at 301-223-2632, email us at hhart@washco-md.net, or via the Washington County Sheriff's Office/Hagerstown Police Department submit a tip links.”

— Washington County Narcotics Task Force

What’s next

The two suspects, Tanika Kornegan and John R. Smith, will face adjudication of their criminal cases in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This drug bust underscores the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to combat the opioid crisis and illegal drug trade in the Tri-State region. The seizure of firearms along with the drugs highlights the dangerous nature of these operations and the risks posed to public safety.