Drug Ring Busted In Mount Vernon District, 4 Arrested

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Four people were charged in a major drug ring bust in the Mount Vernon District, according to Fairfax County Police.

Detectives had started investigating the drug ring in March after receiving a tip. During the bust, police seized psychedelic drugs, including 1,000 hits of LSD and 3.5 pounds of Psilocybin, the psychedelic ingredient in "magic mushrooms." Police also seized 6.5 pounds of tetrahydrocannabinol — THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana — 45 pounds of marijuana, valuable jewelry, $138,000 in cash several bank accounts and a Porsche SUV believed to be connected to the drug operation. The drugs alone could be worth hundreds of dollars, according to police.

Four suspects face multiple charges in the drug bust. Matthew Powers, 33, of Alexandria, was charged with six counts of conspiracy to distribute schedule I/II drugs and two counts of money laundering. He was held on a $10,000 secure bond.

Mondell Opoku, 32, of Woodbridge, was charged with conspiracy to distribute schedule I/II drugs and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was held without bond.

Andres Blanco, 27, of Clinton, Maryland, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to distribute schedule I/II drugs and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was held without bond.

Ali Banihashemi, 32, of Burke, was charged with distributing over 5 pounds of marijuana possession with intent to distribute 1 ounce to 5 pounds of marijuana, and possession of a firearm with intent to distribute marijuana. He was held without bond.

Anyone with additional information on the case can contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800 or submit a tip through Crime Solvers.