Salisbury Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Cocaine Distribution Plot Involving Federalsburg Delivery

A Salisbury resident will spend 18 months in federal prison after admitting to possessing over a kilogram of cocaine with the intent to distribute it, following a joint investigation involving a controlled parcel delivery in Federalsburg. The case underscores ongoing federal efforts to combat drug trafficking operations using the U.S. mail system in Maryland’s Eastern Shore communities.

Rydell Washington, 37, received the sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher, along with three years of supervised release following his prison term. Law enforcement officials from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were involved in the sting that led to Washington’s arrest in May 2023.

Federal agents had flagged a suspicious package being shipped to a Federalsburg address. After obtaining a search warrant, authorities discovered two kilograms of white powder believed to be cocaine. Investigators removed one kilogram for evidence and reinserted the remaining substance into the package, along with a GPS tracker and beacon device, to monitor its movement. The package was then delivered under controlled conditions, leading to Washington’s identification as the recipient.

Washington later admitted to knowingly possessing approximately 1,002.9 grams of cocaine with plans to distribute it. The investigation highlights the coordination between federal agencies in addressing narcotics distribution through mail and parcel services in rural and suburban communities.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

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