Public health experts attribute the increase in overdose deaths in D.C. and other areas to the widespread presence of the potent synthetic opioid. The midyear data on opioid-related overdose deaths in D.C. initially seemed promising, indicating a potential reversal of the five-year trend of continuous increases. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities caused by opioid overdoses in D.C. has surpassed 2,000 since 2018.
In a recent court filing, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia revealed that Thomas joined a nationwide drug trafficking organization after fellow D.C. rapper Marvin Anthony Bussie, also known as Money Marr, introduced him to Hector David Valdez in August 2020.
Valdez, a drug trafficker based in Los Angeles, sold fake oxycodone pills infused with fentanyl. The DEA traced these pills back to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel. Thomas joined Valdez’s operation to acquire and transport the drugs from California to the District with the intention of selling them.
Thomas proudly displayed his wealth on Instagram, showcasing a picture of himself with a substantial stack of cash along with the caption, “I ❤️Cali!!!!” He also shared a series of stories titled “Its nuffin#cali,” which included various photos and videos of his time spent in and around Los Angeles. One particular video even featured an image of Joaquín Guzmán, also known as El Chapo, the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel who is currently serving a life sentence.
In June 2023, law enforcement authorities obtained and executed arrest warrants for six individuals accused of being part of the conspiracy, including Thomas. When agents entered Thomas’ bedroom, they discovered him in possession of a plastic bag containing 100 counterfeit oxycodone pills. Additionally, they found a Glock 21 handgun equipped with a “giggle switch,” which enables the weapon to function as a fully automatic machine gun.
The judge received letters from various family members, such as his grandmother, cousin, father, and the mother of his 1-year-old son, who was born after he was arrested. They all pleaded for leniency in their letters.