She admitted they may not all be apprehended in one day or two days. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. The arrests send a message to drug dealers in Pennsylvania, said Gov. As a result of a one-year investigation into violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug Device and Cosmetic Act, Prostitution and various other offenses, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Fayette County Drug Task Force and the Fayette County Sheriff's office were attempting to serve warrants Tuesday on approximately 70 individuals in the Fayette County area. About $90,000 worth of stock is also subject to forfeiture. A second mate and a crew member have been arrested in the massive bust. The indictments were the result of a three-year investigation involving state and local police from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. A search of the two mens vehicles turned up 23 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the hydraulic traps. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. "By taking down an entire multistate organization at once, the impact on our region is felt immediately," Brady said. Operation Tripwire started 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package. You can now customize your WPXI News App to receive Allegheny County news alerts. The command post for this detail was the Connellsville Fire Station, located directly across Apple Street from the Connellsville Police Station. The cocaine ring was among the largest in the history of Western Pennsylvania, Brady said. Officers stopped the RV last November where they found Pedro Blanco, Brian Powell and Troy Rowe trafficking more than 50 kilograms of cocaine from Los Angeles to Jamie Lightfoot's Verona home, according to the indictment. 1 Fax:814-533-4545. The meth was still hot, Fountain said. The suspects concealed the large, plastic-sealed packages of cocaine behind the rear passenger seat within the hydraulic traps of Philadelphia-registered vehicles they were driving, police said. In all, 17 suspects were stung. Fentanyl sold on the streets typically enters Pennsylvania through Canada, while the majority of heroin and cocaine originates in South America, Zappala said. Taylor is a convicted felon who is barred from owning a gun. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. December 09, 2021 at 4:42 pm EST NOW PLAYING ABOVE 16 people in 5 states, including people in Pittsburgh, charged in massive DEA drug bust PITTSBURGH A federal drug investigation lasted. Those arrested were transported to the Fayette County Prison by the Fayette County Sheriff's office. A 13-count indictment, which included charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, firearms violation and other crimes, named the following 28 people: Don Juan Mendoza, 38, of Lawrenceville, Ga. Jamie Lightfoot, Sr., 46, currently incarcerated at FCI Loretto. These drugs then ended up on the streets of Pittsburgh. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants. We can help! At least 29 people were arrested in a roundup that started at 6 a.m. It was the largest methamphetamine bust ever in Pennsylvania. Police said some individuals are still being sought and an updated list will follow. Those considered mid-level dealers in Fayette County deal up to $10,000 in drugs. romanov fortune in swiss banks. Confidential agreement uncovered allowed Pa. car show to happen despite COVID-19 restrictions, Allegheny County, WPIAL clarify restrictions on outdoor gatherings of 50 people for youth and high school sports, VIDEO: Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center refused to cooperate with audit, says PA Auditor General, DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts, Alabama man fatally mauled by pack of dogs, coroner says, 3 people dead after 2 separate shootings in McKeesport; scenes not connected, police say, Remains found in New Castle identified as man reported missing in 2013, Man facing charges after police chase on busy Ambridge road, Man found dead in courtyard after shooting in Arlington Heights. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. U.S. Attorney Scott Brady says the drug pipeline started with Mexican cartels, which sent large quantities of cocaine into the U.S. through California and Arizona. Posted on 26 Feb in delores winans grandchildren. A lock ( "The Indiana County Drug Task Force was able to take one tip from a community member and turn it into a very sizable drug bust in a matter of days," said District Attorney Bob Manzi. BROOKVILLE, PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced criminal charges against 30 drug dealers in connection with the shipment and sale of $1.6 million in crystal methamphetamine in Jefferson, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk and Forest Counties over the last year and a half. The 27 people named in the indictment -- including several from the Pittsburgh area -- could face 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000 or both. Fifty-three people allegedly involved in a multi-million-dollar drug ring were indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday on charges of making and distributing methamphetamine, or speed. To report drug traffickers abusing the mail, or to report other crimes involving postal employees, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.". U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said drug trafficking is not a non-violent crime. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, 27 Members of International Cocaine Conspiracy That Trafficked Hundreds, Acting United States Attorney Rivetti Announces Implementation of New Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy, Contract Employee Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Steal Vehicles from Pittsburgh Airports Hertz Car Rental and Transport Them to Nearby States, Duquesne Man Pleads Guilty to Escaping from Reentry Center. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala speaks at a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. 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These guys are players.. Taken into custody in North Braddock Monday were Jermaine Clark. Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. 60 nabbed in massive drug bust By SANDRA K. REABUCK Apr 23, 2008 In one of Cambria County's largest drug investigations, which culminated Wednesday, authorities have arrested about 60. According to Trooper Brian Burden, state police at Uniontown information officer, the warrants were issued for those involved in the sale of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana or prescription medications. I hope things like this dont happen on a regular basis.. Published June 22, 2021 4:25 a.m. PDT Share TORONTO - Twenty people are facing rafts of charges each and more than $61 million worth of cocaine, crystal meth and marijuana was seized in what. The investigation began in the winter of 1988 with a street-level buy by a Philadelphia police officer, the state police said. Zappala said the case builds on collaborative law enforcement work by local and federal officials to keep drugs out of the region. It. It was. / CBS Pittsburgh. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A drug organization accused of funneling fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs into Johnstown from both coasts has been dismantled, resulting in charges against 31 people,. The DEA is thankful for its partnerships across Western Pennsylvania. Police seized 23 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $10 million while executing arrest warrants against two Philadelphia men in North Braddock on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. Jamaal Maragh (a/k/a Alrick Williams a/k/a Frederick Vanlierop), 38, of Turtle Creek, PA; Noel Perez Aguilar (a/k/a Venado), 48, of Los Angeles, CA; Juan Carlos Alejandres, 26, of Los Angeles, CA; Ramon S. Araiza-Vega, 27, of Rio Rico, AZ; Jose D. Delosrios Benitez (a/k/a McQueen), 30, of Inglewood, CA; Johnny Bravo, Jr., 32, of Los Angeles, CA; Antonio Egurrola-Gamboa (a/k/a Chango), 32, of Tucson, AZ; Roberto Egurrola-Vasquez (a/k/a Gordito), 32, of Tucson, AZ; Howard E. Johnson III, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA; Alexis A. Perez Lopez, 44, of Los Angeles, CA; Clayton F. Manning, 43, of Los Angeles, CA; Rachel M. Novalesi, 37, of Rochester, PA; Justo Edgardo Parra Jr., 28, of Nogales, AZ; Odean Samuels (a/k/a Martin ONeil, a/k/a Smokey), 32, of Canoga Park, CA; Manuel Silvestre, 49, of Los Angeles, CA; Steven L. Trent Jr., 50, of Penn Hills, PA; Darrick Watkins, 50, of Los Angeles, CA; and. NEW YORK, Nov 2 (Reuters) - U.S. law enforcement officials seized more than one ton of cocaine allegedly shipped to the New York area from Puerto Rico, the largest bust of the drug in the. BLAIRSVILLE (KDKA) - An investigation that was led by the Indiana County District Attorney's Drug Task Force ended with the largest heroin and fentanyl bust in Indiana County. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. When they left with it, state police pulled them over and confiscated it, said Marino, whose county drug strike force assisted in the probe. Montgomery District Attorney Michael D. Marino said some of the drug ring members used a vacant house on Visitation Road in Evansburg State Park. For overdose and related medical emergencies please dial 911. women's college lacrosse workout program. The investigation was a five month wiretap investigation, according to law enforcement. It is organized by the Fayette County District Attorney's Office. In an unrelated example, Zappala cited the recent temporary closure of a McKeesport bar and pending closure of another bar at the request of the McKeesport mayor to prevent illegal drug activity from happening there. U.S. Attorney Scott Brady on Wednesday said a federal grand jury has indicted 39 people accused of being involved in a cross-country cocaine ring that stretched from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh. to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts. Fifty-three people allegedly involved in a multi-million-dollar drug ring were indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday on charges of making and distributing methamphetamine, or speed. / CBS Pittsburgh. Murphy told CNN affiliate WSB that it is by far the biggest heroin seizure in Georgia's. Deabure Lightfoot, 29, Monday in federal court pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. Sign up and receive email updates on the latest news, events, and more! He said there are turf wars, shootings, home invasions and homicides that go hand in hand with drug trafficking. ", First published on April 14, 2021 / 3:14 AM. The indictments were announced at the news conference at the Belmont barracks of the state police in Philadelphia. Protect Your Home from Ticks with Yard Guard from Viking Pest, PA To Consider Adopting Significant Police Protection Measures, What Kind Of Home Can $1.9 Million Buy In Pittsburgh? Ages and addresses of the suspects were not available. prisons spend $15M after guards were sickened by K2. [4] Contents 1 Testimony 2 Verdict 2.1 Suspensions 3 Aftermath 4 See also 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External links Testimony [ edit] Investigators say they believe that, since at least 2017, the drug ring involving Clark and Suggs Jr. has brought hundreds of kilograms of cocaine worth tens of millions of dollars from the city of Philadelphia into Western Pennsylvania neighborhoods. Heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl were seized along with guns and money during the operation. Both will be arraigned at the Allegheny County Jail. A few were considered "upper level" drug dealers for Fayette County. 22 at 8:30 a.m. The drug bust was a result of a year-long investigation conducted by the State Police Troop B Vice Unit, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office and the Fayette County Drug Task Force. queensland figure skating. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Following a tip, police stopped a vehicle on Route 22 on April 8, and during a search of the vehicle, they found 50 bricks of heroin and fentanyl. Official websites use .gov Later searches of the homes and vehicles of others involved in the ring turned up more drugs, 11 firearms and more than $1 million in cash. "We work every day to stop those who bring dangerous drugs and guns into our neighborhoods. All complaints and concerns are fully investigated by corporate compliance and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations. The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . La-Verna Fountain, press secretary for the state police, declined to comment on whether this drug ring is linked to other methamphetamine rings in the nation or to past major busts in Pennsylvania. Most of the dealers are street- to mid-level with a few that are upper-level for the Fayette County area. A locked padlock Our marketing agency in Pittsburgh is ready to help right now! Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. First published on September 4, 2020 / 4:45 PM. Taken into custody in North Braddock Monday were Jermaine Clark and Terry Suggs Jr. Clark is believed to be the head of the drug trafficking organization, according to the Allegheny County District Attorneys Office. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. They were for street- to mid-level drug dealers, he added. . Please enter valid email address to continue. 700 Grant Street, Suite 4000 Attorney General James Busts Two Major Drug Trafficking Rings in Central New York 78 Individuals Indicted for Trafficking Cocaine, Heroin, and Fentanyl Throughout NYS; Illegal Possession of Firearms, Including Untraceable Ghost Guns AG James Has Taken More Than 1,400 Guns Off NYS's Streets Since 2019 But what if it was just in their heads? "This case is another example of how essential law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - More than two dozen people have been indicted for their alleged links to an international drug ring in Pittsburgh. PITTSBURGH More than two dozen people were charged in connection with a fentanyl distribution ring stretching across Pittsburgh's eastern neighborhoods and into Wilkinsburg, according to FBI. WPXI Shot Boyz Organization 25 people were indicted as part of a fentanyl trafficking ring. 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