Indian-origin couple arrested in drug and sex trafficking ring in US. What we know so far – Firstpost

An Indian-origin couple, along with three others, have been arrested for allowing a drug and sex trafficking ring from a motel in Virginia, United States. Tarun (55) and Kosha (52) Sharma were accused of using the third floor of their Red Carpet Inn for illegal activities while keeping guests on the lower floors.

In addition, three other defendants identified as Margo Waldon Pierce (51), Joshua Roderick (40), and Rashard Perrish Smith (33) were taken into custody in the early hours of January 15. Prosecutors have charged all five individuals with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl.

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Here is all you need to know about the case.

Why did FBI raid the motel?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Prince William County police launched a coordinated operation on January 15, just after 6 am. With their guns drawn, the officers made their way into the Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries.

The operation followed a multi-year investigation into sex trafficking and drug distribution at the motel on Dumfries Road, reported updates website Fox5. The authorities took the Sharmas, Pierce, Roderick, and Smith into custody at the scene.

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“These arrests stem from a joint investigation between the FBI, the Prince William County Police Department, and the Virginia State Police,” Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, told Fox5.

He further declared, “I want to thank our partners for the investigative work they have done to further this investigation and to support one of our top priorities — combating violent crime. The FBI will continue to collaborate with federal and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug and sex trafficking rings and bring traffickers to justice.”

In a press release issued on January 16, the Department of Justice noted that the five defendants, including the Sharma couple of Indian descent, made their first court appearance on Friday.

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On Jan. 15, the FBI and PWCPD conducted a coordinated operation at the Red Carpet Inn located at 17005 Dumfries Road in Dumfries in connection to drug distribution and sex trafficking. More info; pic.twitter.com/uvxZQAMQxO

— Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) January 15, 2026STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

According to court documents, nine prostitution encounters and 15 controlled purchases of fentanyl were made at the Red Carpet Inn between May 28 and December 17, 2025. Eleven of the controlled purchases were for fentanyl, the other four for cocaine. If convicted, they will face a mandatory minimum of 10 years of jail.

“The complaint alleges that Margo Waldon Pierce, aka Marko, distributed the illegal narcotics in all 15 controlled purchases,” the document showed.

Documents also allege that at least eight women were exploited at the inn, where Smith and others charged between $80 (approximately Rs 7,200) and $150 (Rs 13,550) for sex. Police stated the women were kept from leaving and suffered physical abuse.

What is known about the Indian couple?

At the centre of the case is an Indian-origin couple identified as Kosha Sharma, aka Mama K, and Tarun Sharma, aka Pop. The duo was arrested and charged over alleged criminal activity at their motel.

According to reports, the couple allegedly profited from the exploitation of the individuals, as well as drugs conducted at their property registered under the name Kosha LLC. The investigation highlighted that their motel sheltered trafficking victims and drug dealers.

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Police said that Kosha would place people seeking prostitutes and drugs on the third floor and would alert them if police arrived on the scene, often keeping officers from entering the rooms.

“Drug trafficking and sex trafficking devastate communities by exploiting vulnerable individuals and fueling violence and addiction,” stated Lindsey Halligan, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, told Fox5.

She further noted, “Our office is committed to dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from human suffering. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold offenders accountable and disrupt the cycles of exploitation that threaten our communities.”

Have there been similar cases?

Last week, two Indian truck drivers were arrested in Indiana for transporting 309 pounds of cocaine worth $7 million. The incident came to light when their truck went through regular highway inspection and authorities found cocaine ’enough to kill more than 113,000 Americans.'

The truck drivers were identified as Gurpreet Singh and Jasveer Singh. While the former illegally entered the US on March 11, 2023, from Arizona, Jasveer Singh entered the US illegally from California on March 21, 2017.

Last year, federal authorities charged five Indian Americans in connection with an alleged human trafficking and immigration fraud network operating across multiple hotels in Nebraska. The accused allegedly owned and managed hotels where minors and adults were exploited for sex and forced labour.

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With inputs from agencies

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