Major Drug Bust in St. Mary's County Leads to Two Arrests

David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor

March 1

LEONARDTOWN, MD – In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, St. Mary's County law enforcement officials have apprehended two individuals following a series of search and seizure operations. The operations were carried out on Friday, February 23, 2024, by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, involving units from the Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division, and Special Operations Division.

The initial raid took place at a residence located in the 21000 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, MD. This operation led to the discovery and seizure of a substantial amount of drugs, including a mix of suspected Fentanyl and xylazine, crack cocaine, and cocaine. In addition to the narcotics, authorities confiscated cash, two loaded handguns, and paraphernalia used in the manufacturing of controlled dangerous substances (CDS).

The investigation extended to a second location, where deputies executed a follow-on search warrant at a residence in the 45000 block of Oregon Way in Great Mills, MD. The secondary operation uncovered additional illicit substances, including methamphetamine and various controlled medications, alongside more cash and another loaded handgun. Notably, two of the three handguns seized during these operations were previously reported as stolen, underscoring the link between drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

The two individuals arrested in connection with these findings are Terrance Lamar Barnes, 29, with no fixed address, and Joseph Matthew Queen III, 30, from Lexington Park, MD. Both suspects face charges including two counts of possession with intent to distribute, firearm possession during a drug trafficking crime, possession of equipment to produce CDS, and the manufacturing of CDS: Narcotics, among other related offenses.

Following their arrest, Barnes and Queen were transported to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where they are currently awaiting bond hearings. The successful execution of these search warrants and subsequent arrests mark a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and related crimes within St. Mary's County.

This operation reflects the dedication of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office to combat the distribution and manufacturing of illegal drugs. The seizure of narcotics, particularly the dangerous mix of Fentanyl and xylazine, underscores the serious threat these substances pose to public health and safety. The involvement of stolen firearms in these activities further highlights the complex challenges law enforcement faces in addressing drug-related crimes.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activity as part of its commitment to keeping the community safe. These arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated efforts among various divisions within the Sheriff's Office and underscore the ongoing commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and its associated dangers from the community.