A Clarksburg man and a California co-conspirator have pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances following a multi-agency investigation into cocaine trafficking from California to Maryland.
Norville Clarke, 56, of Clarksburg, and Daniel Cruz, 39, admitted their roles in a drug trafficking operation that transported cocaine across the country using parcels and freight shipments. Authorities said the investigation began in March 2023 after Maryland State Police seized a package containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine that had been mailed from the Los Angeles area to Clarke’s auto repair shop in District Heights.
Investigators later intercepted a freight shipment containing two automobile transmissions that concealed more than 16 kilograms of cocaine. Additional searches of Clarke’s business and residence uncovered more cocaine and more than $45,000 in cash. According to prosecutors, Clarke and Cruz were responsible for nearly 22 kilograms of cocaine connected to the conspiracy. Both men face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life when they are sentenced later this year.
