By: Express Web DeskUpdated: January 19, 2026 02:20 PM IST 2 min readLaw enforcement conducted nine prostitution encounters and 15 controlled purchases of fentanyl at the Red Carpet Inn from May 2025 to Dec 2025.Two Indian-origin hotel operators, along with three others, have been arrested in Virginia, United States, over drug and sex trafficking operation.The amrried couple — Kosha Sharma, 52, and Tarun Sharma, 55 — is accused of using their motel, Red Carpet Inn, for prostitution and drug sales.The Sharmas ran the operation from the third floor of the motel, while keeping guests on the lower floors, according to federal attorneys in northern Virginia.Court documents allege that the couple leased the motel and took a cut of profits from illegal activities conducted at the property.“Drug trafficking and sex trafficking devastate communities by exploiting vulnerable individuals and fueling violence and addiction,” said Lindsey Halligan, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.“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,” she added.The accused are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison.Story continues below this ad“These arrests stem from a joint investigation between the FBI, the Prince William County Police Department, and the Virginia State Police,” said Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division. “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.”Others arrestedThe others, including Margo Waldon Pierce, 51, Joshua Roderick, 40, and Rashard Perrish Smith, 33, were also arrested in connection with the case for allegedly participating in the illegal activities.Law enforcement conducted nine prostitution encounters and 15 controlled purchases of fentanyl at the Red Carpet Inn from May 2025 to Dec 2025.Eleven of the controlled purchases were for fentanyl, while the other four were for cocaine.Story continues below this adThe complaint alleges that Pierce distributed the illegal narcotics in all 15 controlled purchases.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd