December 17th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

Maryland State Police arrested a man linked to a multi-state fentanyl distribution operation.  

Narada Michael Walls, 37, is charged with manufacturing, distributing and possessing controlled dangerous substances. He is being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center pending a bond review hearing on Dec. 18.

Beginning in late fall 2017 the Maryland State Police Heroin Investigative Unit, assisted by the Maryland State Police, Criminal Enforcement Division, Gang Enforcement Unit, Maryland State Police, Salisbury and Berlin Barracks, Maryland State Police, Central South Narcotics, Salisbury Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Wicomico County States Attorney’s Office and United States Attorney’s Office began an investigation into the distribution of opioids by Walls in several counties, Baltimore City and neighboring states. Walls’ opioid distribution was primarily focused in and around Salisbury and Wicomico County, Maryland.

The investigation revealed that Walls was importing and selling a large amount of opioids on a daily basis. The opioid was methoxyacetyl fentanyl. The DEA verified that the specific analog strand of fentanyl was one of the most potent strands of fentanyl currently being illegally imported from outside the United States. The DEA estimated the fentanyl in question is as high as 15 times stronger than other analog strands. Multiple sources throughout Maryland and several neighboring states supplied Walls with the methoxyacetyl fentanyl that he distributed.

On Dec. 15, 2017, the Maryland State Police Heroin Investigative Unit, led by the Maryland State Police, Criminal Enforcement Division, Gang Enforcement Unit and assisted by Maryland State Police, Salisbury and Berlin Barracks; Maryland State Police, Central South Narcotics; Salisbury Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Wicomico County States Attorney’s Office and United States Attorney’s Office ended this investigation with a well-coordinated operation that encompassed the service of five search and seizure warrants in Salisbury and Wicomico County, Maryland.

The following items were seized because of the operation:

• 442.3 grams of a fentanyl

• 86 grams of marijuana

• $17,705 in U.S. currency

• Quantities of identified cutting agents used to dilute controlled dangerous substances prior to sale.

• Hand tools with controlled dangerous substance residue used to process/dilute the substances