They’re international drug lords, born and raised on the west side of Detroit and now the feds are hot on their trail.
They're identical twin brothers who police say are equally as dangerous. The Johnson brothers have the U.S. Marshals, DEA and the FBI coming together to get them off the street.
“These guys are not your everyday local drug dealers, these guys are guys at a level where they’re working with cartels, they run an organization, they’re going from state to state – they’re getting drugs from other countries,” Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Aaron Garcia said.
It all began on Detroit’s west side, but the U.S. Marshals say Jason and Jacob Johnson quickly made a name for themselves in the drug world.
“These guys are the reason, these drug dealers are the reason we have this gun violence and it leads into these homicides, these violent crimes these cities experience,” Garcia said.
Jason is wanted by the DEA and the U.S. Marshals, a fugitive since October of 2016. Jacob is wanted by the FBI, he’s been on the run since 2004.
“Drug lords running a conspiracy, running groups, fell off the radar,” Garcia said. “They’re getting help from somebody, they know tons of people on the street, they know tons of people from other countries these guys have money.”
Garcia says they have the connections and means to stay on the lamb, including drastic measures to become unrecognizable.
“They may have altered their appearance, that’s pretty common with these high level drug dealers where they get plastic surgery, get tattoos removed,” he said.
Jacob has the nickname of Snake, it’s one thing that may help you identify him.
“The biggest difference in identifying these two is Jacob is believed to have snake tattoos on his arms and he has Bell’s Palsy, he’s been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy and half of his face is a little droopy – his right eye, the side of his face may be droopy,” Garcia said.
The 39-year-olds are 6-feet-tall, around 200 pounds and to be considered armed and dangerous. They have ties to Arizona, California and Texas the U.S. Marshals believe the tip to finding them is right here at home.
“Everyone probably knew them as the Johnson brothers growing up,” Garcia said. “Everybody’s going to recognize you guys. Do yourself a favor, do your family a favor, do your community a favor – just come in, surrender.”
As always, if you have any information there is a cash reward for a tip leading to Jacob or Jason Johnson’s arrest. Call the U.S. Marshals anytime at (313) 234-5656 and remember you can remain anonymous.
