Massive cocaine bust in West Baltimore

Federal prosecutors say it's one of the largest drug seizures in over 20 years. Law enforcement recovered more than 140 kilograms of cocaine, 12 kilograms of fentanyl, and $1.5 million in cash.

“It's one of the largest drug seizures he's seen in more than 2 decades”

First major seizure came in November

DEA agents tracked a pickup truck leaving a West Baltimore warehouse. When pulled over on Interstate 70, police found 83 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the truck bed, coated in grease to evade drug dogs.

George Robinson ran the operation

The 58-year-old Catonsville resident operated out of warehouses in West Baltimore and Halethorpe, plus a laundromat on Walbrook Avenue. Prosecutors say he ran it like a legitimate business with himself as CEO.

“It reflects a business. And Mr. Robinson was the CEO of that business.”

Drugs sourced from Mexico

Prosecutors say Robinson obtained 50 to 150 kilograms of cocaine at a time from a Mexican source. The drugs were transported in steel structures loaded onto flatbed tractor trailers.

Cash and weapons seized

Investigators found $769,000 in cash, 8 kilograms of fentanyl, and a gun at Robinson's laundromat. Another $314,000 was seized from his Baltimore County home.

Co-conspirator also charged

Cori Grant, an alleged co-conspirator, had 38 kilograms of cocaine seized from one location and 4 kilograms from her apartment. Six more kilograms were found at a Halethorpe warehouse.

Robinson ordered detained pending trial

The 58-year-old pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court but was ordered held without bail. His attorney argued for release citing medical conditions including macular degeneration and diabetes.

“Undeniably, he is losing his eyesight”

Prior conviction for heroin

Robinson's only previous conviction was in 2002 for heroin distribution, when he received 37 months in federal prison. In recent years he incorporated businesses and purchased properties.