CLEVELAND — A man and woman were each found guilty on multiple drug and money related charges in a Cleveland courtroom last week.
29-year-old Branea Bryant and 44-year-old Ramel Drew were charged with selling fentanyl out of a house owned by Bryant's company on East 130th Street in Cleveland.
According to court documents, the FBI learned that Bryant's brother, Brandon Bryant, and her boyfriend, Devonn Fair, were selling fentanyl on the east side of Cleveland. Through further investigation, it was revealed that Branea Bryant and Ramel Drew were both involved in the operation to sell fentanyl.
After obtaining and executing a search warrant on August 31, 2021, the FBI along with several other law enforcement agencies searched the Cleveland residence. During the search, they were able to find and seize over a kilogram of fentanyl, numerous firearms, ammunition, high-speed money counters, drug presses, a vacuum-sealer used to package drugs and money, over $68,000 in cash, jewelry, and multiple high-end vehicles, including two Range Rovers and a Jaguar F-Type.
Surveillance footage found in another Cleveland house connected to the suspects revealed Ramel Drew, Devonn Fair and others involved in drug transactions on the property of the residence.
Through the investigation into this operation, 22 other defendants were found and charged. All 22 of those defendants previously pled guilty.
Branea Bryant was convicted on the following charges:
- One count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl
- One one count of conspiracy to launder money
- Three counts of money laundering
Ramel Drew was convicted on the following charges:
- One one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl
- One count of use of a communications facility to facilitate drug trafficking
- One count of distribution of fentany
- One one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl