Police: Local Liquor Store Used To Cover Drug Trafficking Organization
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Police say they have made several arrests in connection with a Baltimore liquor store that was being used as a cover for a drug trafficking organization.
Eutaw Liquors on Eutaw Street is closed for business after Baltimore Police raided the store on Monday.
Police found dozens of bags of marijuana and caps of crack cocaine, as well as $12,000 in cash. Investigators believe this was a sign of a robust drug operation.
"We have reason to believe that the substances were dropped off to the store every morning, or once or twice a week," Baltimore Police Lt. Steve Olson said.
The owner and his wife, 51-year-old Seung Ryu and 45-year-old AE Kim, are under arrest on drug charges.
Police say officers suspected there was illegal activity at the store, but tips from the community helped fill in the blanks.
"If there is businesses that choose to operate outside the law, we're going to come after them," Police Commissioner Darryl De Sousa said.
Police say the liquor board has revoked the store's license, effectively shutting down business.
The Lexington Market area has long strived for revitalization while it struggled with illicit drug activity.
"Yes, I'm very surprised. Had no idea that that was going on," one person told WJZ's Ava-joye Burnett.
[Reporter: Does that surprise you?]
"No, this whole area is a drug area. Everyone knows that," resident CJ Johnson said.
De Sousa, a former DEA agent, says dealers are now on notice.
"Ultimately, we want to get to those folks that are responsible for bringing it into the area, those sources of supply," Dep. Commissioner Gary Tuggle said.
On top of the drugs found, police say they also recovered powdered prescription medications.
Police say some of the employees are convicted felons, and they now face additional gun charges.
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