ATF-led HIDTA investigation results in trafficking charges for owner of illicit drug website

WASHINGTON - Perry Young, owner and operator of the website "Forest Floor DC," was charged in an indictment unsealed today for allegedly running a drug trafficking operation involving illegal narcotics such as DMT, MDMA, marijuana, and hallucinogenic mushrooms. The charges stem from an investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Washington Field Division High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force, which found the activities were conducted near The Catholic University of America.

"Today's indictment underscores my office's unwavering commitment to protecting the public from illegal drug trafficking operations that threaten the safety of our communities," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "The defendant built a sophisticated online distribution network that delivered illicit substances directly into our neighborhoods, including proximity to Catholic University. This conduct endangers students, families, and the broader community, and it will be met with decisive action."

Young, of the District of Columbia, is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Dimethyltryptamine, Distribution of Dimethyltryptamine and MDMA Within 1,000 Feet of a Private College, and Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA. The indictment also includes forfeiture allegations seeking the surrender of illicit proceeds. Young made his initial appearance today before District Court Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

Young operated the website https://www.forestfloordc.com/ , where customers could order Schedule I controlled substances, including marijuana, mushrooms, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Once an order was placed online, Young or an associate delivered the drugs in person.

During an undercover operation, law enforcement made several controlled drug purchases through the website, receiving in-person deliveries directly from Young and an associate. On one occasion, Young sold 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine to an undercover officer. The alleged drug sales occurred within 1,000 feet of The Catholic University of America.

Search warrants were executed this morning at Young's residence and a storage unit. Law enforcement discovered one Glock 43 handgun with a drum-style magazine, a Glock 43 magazine loaded with ammunition, and assorted ammunition and firearm accessories. Law enforcement also seized approximately $250,000 in U.S. currency and $200,000 in jewelry from Young. The warrants resulted in the seizure of approximately 18 pounds of marijuana, 74 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, 30 pounds of tetrahydrocannabinol "THC" and a large amount of packaging material and drug paraphernalia.

This investigation was led by the ATF Washington Field Division High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force with valuable assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, Metro Transit Police and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov .