WASHINGTON –
The District of Columbia National Guard Counterdrug Program concluded Fiscal Year 2025 with historic achievements in drug interdiction support, community outreach, and compliance, solidifying the program’s supporting role in protecting District residents and assisting law enforcement partners across the region.
Throughout FY25, the Counterdrug Program’s analysts supported the seizure of more than 200 kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines, along with $700,000 in currency and cryptocurrency assets. This support contributed to what has been identified as the largest cryptocurrency seizure in Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) history, led by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Robinson in support of HSI Washington, D.C., and Tech. Sgt. Juawana Bilbro with the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
Across multiple operations, DCNG Counterdrug analysts reviewed more than 10,000 hours of surveillance footage, 5,000 digital files, and 500 hours of tactical research. Their contributions aided the arrest of 23 violent offenders in the Carver-Langston area and helped earn the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA office the “Outstanding Investigation Involving a Violent Organization” award.
Community-based prevention also saw significant expansion. The Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) team, led by Staff Sgt. Belita Lynum, noncommissioned officer in charge, conducted 171 public education and engagement events in FY25, an increase of 40.16% from the previous fiscal year. These events strengthened partnerships with schools, community centers, and youth-serving organizations, enhancing the program’s prevention impact throughout the District.
The program also advanced its advocacy mission, conducting 56 engagements with Members of Congress, U.S. Senators, and legislative staff, resulting in a $243,258 increase in FY25 funding for the District of Columbia. This reflects growing bipartisan support for the National Guard’s role in combating drug trafficking and promoting prevention.
In addition, the DCNG Counterdrug Program earned 100% on the National Guard Bureau’s CAPSTONE and On-Site Assessment reviews for both FY23 and FY24. This places the program in the top 1% of all 54 National Guard Counterdrug Programs nationwide for compliance and program management.
“These FY24–FY25 results reflect a sustained and measurable commitment to protecting the District of Columbia through a whole-of-government approach,” said Chief Master Sgt. Earle Reyes, Counterdrug Coordinator. “Over the past two fiscal years, the D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Program directly supported multiple federal and local law enforcement partners, producing outcomes that enhanced both public safety and community resilience. Our analysts contributed to the disruption of multiple narcotics trafficking and violent crime networks by providing over 10,000 hours of analytical support, leading to several arrests, multi-kilogram drug seizures, and the removal of illegal firearms from District streets.”
Reyes also emphasized the importance of community engagement. “In parallel, our Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) community initiatives expanded by over 40%, reaching hundreds of youth and community members through prevention and awareness efforts that align with the Mayor’s ‘LIVE. LONG. DC.’ strategic plan to reduce opioid use, misuse, and related deaths,” he said. “These results underscore our dual mission, reducing both supply and demand, and demonstrate that every Capital Guardian assigned to the Counterdrug Program plays a critical role in safeguarding the District while strengthening trust between the National Guard and the communities we serve.”
As the program looks to the year ahead, Reyes noted that continued innovation and resourcefulness will be essential. “In FY26, our priorities center on sustainment, modernization, and readiness. While we operate one of the nation’s smallest Counterdrug Programs, our return on investment remains significant, and we’re committed to enhancing our capabilities through advanced technology, data integration, and ongoing professional development.”