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Two Arrested in Drug and Gun Offenses in Yorktown

Authorities conducting a traffic stop in Yorktown, leading to a drug and firearm seizure.

News Summary

Authorities in Yorktown have arrested two young men for separate drug and gun offenses following a traffic stop and a search warrant execution. Robert Benjamin Brown, 35, was arrested during a traffic stop after drugs and a firearm were found in his vehicle. In another incident, 19-year-old Ali El-Ghit was arrested after a raid at his residence uncovered over 1,000 Alprazolam pills and numerous firearms. Investigations reveal a connection to ongoing concerns about drug trafficking and illegal firearms in the community.

Yorktown, Virginia

Two young men have been arrested in separate incidents related to drug and gun offenses on July 7, 2025, in Yorktown, Virginia. The arrests followed a traffic stop and a subsequent search warrant execution at a residence.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Gun Seizure

At approximately 10:25 a.m. on July 7, law enforcement officials conducted a traffic stop in the vicinity of Big Bethel Road and Hampton Highway. During the stop, a K9 unit indicated the presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. Following the dog’s alert, deputies searched the vehicle, leading to the seizure of cocaine, heroin, and a firearm.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 35-year-old Robert Benjamin Brown, was arrested on charges of possession of illegal drugs and possession of a firearm. After his arrest, Brown was taken to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, where he remains in custody.

Search Warrant Executed at Local Home

On the same day, authorities executed a search warrant at the home of 19-year-old Ali El-Ghit, located on North Finnlandia Court. This raid was carried out by agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with officers from the Yorktown Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The search was the culmination of an investigation that focused on El-Ghit’s alleged modification of firearms, specifically utilizing parts designed for Glock pistols.

During the search, investigators discovered a substantial cache of illegal items: more than 1,000 Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) pills, 10 semi-automatic rifles, 10 handguns, and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, a significant amount of cash was also found on the premises. El-Ghit did not possess a valid prescription for the Alprazolam discovered in his home.

Investigation Background

El-Ghit had come under the scrutiny of DHS agents in June due to his online purchases involving “switches,” devices that allow Glock pistols to be converted to full-automatic mode. Following the execution of the search warrant, El-Ghit was detained and later taken to Marion County, where he faced charges for possession with intent to distribute Alprazolam and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Court Proceedings and Legal Status

El-Ghit has appeared in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis, where he faced federal charges. On August 14, he signed a waiver for detention, agreeing to remain in custody until the trial date is set. His attorney subsequently filed a motion for release, asserting that El-Ghit has no prior criminal history, is employed at the Horizon Convention Center, and is currently enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College. Supportive testimonials from community members were also submitted to highlight El-Ghit’s character and potential for rehabilitation.

Despite these attempts at pre-trial release, El-Ghit and his attorney later decided to withdraw their request. As of now, no trial date has been established, and investigations into both incidents continue, involving multiple law enforcement agencies including U.S. Postal Inspectors, Indiana State Police, and local authorities.

The incidents serve as a reminder of ongoing concerns regarding drug trafficking and illegal firearms in local communities, prompting law enforcement agencies to collaborate and conduct thorough investigations to address such issues effectively.