PITTSBURGH, PA - Twenty-seven members of an international drug organization were indicted by a federal grand jury for trafficking significant quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Fifteen properties are subject to seizure under laws which require drug traffickers to forfeit property. to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts. Cpl. Dave Heckman, of the state police at Uniontown, said nine undercover police officers were a part of the investigation, but did not take part in the raids to protect their identities. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A second mate and a crew member have been arrested in the massive bust. Disclosure: 18 Biggest Drug Busts In U.S. History is originally published at Insider Monkey. Police found 1,800kg (283 stone) of what is known locally as. (Cox Media Group/Cox Media Group). Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. Twitter. "By taking down an entire multistate organization at once, the impact on our region is felt immediately," Brady said. The Drug Enforcement Administration (in Pittsburgh, PA) and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General led the multi-agency investigation that included members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (in Los Angeles, CA; in Tucson, AZ; in New York, NY; in Nashville, TN; at the Special Operations Division; and in Mexico); the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; the Los Angeles Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Allegheny County Police Department; the New Castle Police Department; the Monessen Police Department; and the Pennsylvania State Police. I hope things like this dont happen on a regular basis.. Lock The command post for this detail was the Connellsville Fire Station, located directly across Apple Street from the Connellsville Police Station. Posted on 26 Feb in delores winans grandchildren. Brady said law enforcement has been going zone by zone and neighborhood by neighborhood to take out street gangs, drug rings and violent offenders. The investigation was a five month wiretap investigation, according to law enforcement. Covid-19 could be making things worse Authorities estimate the value of the drugs at $8.5 million. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 0 . In the fall of 1990, the Drug Enforcement Agency told the state police that it was investigating some of the same people as the state police. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition. "I asked for an arrest sweep to show the citizenry that law enforcement is active and involved with drug enforcement," said Vernon, adding the year-long investigation involved undercover work, undercover purchases, officers entering in dangerous places and conducting highly dangerous searches. About $90,000 worth of stock is also subject to forfeiture. FBI, Pittsburgh police announce bust of large local fentanyl distribution ring. The team executed arrest warrants for Clark and Suggs Jr. with help from the Pennsylvania State Police and police departments in North Versailles and Swissvale. byu men's volleyball 2022 schedule; blangolden golden retrievers. Murphy told CNN affiliate WSB that it is by far the biggest heroin seizure in Georgia's. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. On Wednesday, Zappala said his office plans to ask the magistrate judge to revoke the bail of both men to ensure they dont flee the country. 950 N Federal Highway Source/Pennsylvania Attorney General A grand jury investigation uncovered evidence of a meth ring that distributed drugs from Philadelphia to towns in Blair County, Pennsylvania, authorities said. Follow the link to read our updated Privacy Policy, Man Rams Victim With Car, Fires Gun At Him During Argument: Somerset Prosecutor, One Dead, Two Hospitalized, 3 Schools Lockdown After McKeesport Shooting: Authorities, Approximately 14 kilograms, or 700,000 individual doses of fentanyl. He noted that many drug users are now overdosing on deadly combinations of cocaine and fentanyl. Walp said $108,000 from the governors PennFree anti-drug program was key in the success of the operation. Called the Shot Boyz, 25 people were charged, according to police. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. Vernon said she couldn't anticipate when the remaining individuals would be apprehended. Facebook. U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said drug trafficking is not a non-violent crime. Another lab was raided in January 1990. April 14, 2021 / 3:14 AM Five labs where speed was made were shut down during the course of the probe. The brothers' father, Jamie Lightfoot Sr., participated in the ring from federal prison, Brady said. Corporate Headquarters: Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. He has been denied bail and held in the Allegheny County Jail with a preliminary hearing set before Magisterial District Judge Scott H. Schricker on Mar. 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. Police arrested. 25 people were indicted as part of a fentanyl trafficking ring. Another lab was in Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County. Sign up and receive email updates on the latest news, events, and more! Todd Moses of Decatur, Ga., and originally from Donora, remains on the run. All complaints and concerns are fully investigated by corporate compliance and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations. By 6abc. The incident occurred on July 11, 1990. Our marketing agency in Pittsburgh is ready to help right now! 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. "(He) was communicating with his sons and the organization and was able to, if not control, coordinate and discuss with members of the organization," Brady said. The DEA is thankful for its partnerships across Western Pennsylvania. There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in . Operation Tripwire started 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package. 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. For overdose and related medical emergencies please dial 911. She admitted they may not all be apprehended in one day or two days. Fax:814-533-4545. . . 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. 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Arrests made Wednesday morning netted 37 of the 39 individuals named in the two indictments. 11, according to the release and court records. Kressmore J. Watson, 33, of Los Angeles, CA. 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. / CBS Pittsburgh. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. Three of the labs were in Philadelphia and one was in Union County. "I think it sends a message to the drug community to show them that we mean business.". biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa. julia baird barrister ava law group reviews ralph woolfolk wife notice of intent to serve subpoena pennsylvania. Robert P. Casey, who attended the news conference. 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 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. [4] Contents 1 Testimony 2 Verdict 2.1 Suspensions 3 Aftermath 4 See also 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External links Testimony [ edit] 1:23 PHILADELPHIA Federal authorities have upped the amount of cocaine they seized from a ship at the Philadelphia port to more than 35,000 pounds, or 15,876 kilograms, making it the largest. A federal grand jury has indicted 39 people in a cross-country cocaine ring that flooded Pittsburgh and the Mon Valley with drugs, U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said Wednesday. ", First published on April 14, 2021 / 3:14 AM. sinastria di coppia karmica calcolo; quincy homeless shelter; plastic bags for cleaning oven racks; claudia procula death; farm jobs in vermont with housing It takes hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight the drug pushers on their own level., Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Lehigh DA to announce findings on Allentown police-involved shooting that killed Coplay man, Eli Lilly plans to slash some insulin prices, expand cost cap, Final report: Lehigh Valley doctor likely became disoriented by snow showers before fatal helicopter crash, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Big prostitution bust at Pa. hotel nets 17 arrests Pictured are some of the suspects arrested after a major prostitution and drug sting at Monroe County hotel. 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. It was. Fentanyl sold on the streets typically enters Pennsylvania through Canada, while the majority of heroin and cocaine originates in South America, Zappala said. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. He said there are turf wars, shootings, home invasions and homicides that go hand in hand with drug trafficking. "This case is another example of how essential law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. Many of the investigations were jointly conducted by the Fayette County Drug Task Force and the Pennsylvania State Police Troop B Vice Unit. Almost two tonnes of methamphetamine has been seized by Australian police - the biggest bust of the drug in the country's history. On the other side of the state is Pittsburgh, the Steel City known in the past for its tough, blue-collar workforce. The task force is made up of 35 municipal police officers from all parts of the county. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration if you need help for drug addiction at 1-800-662-4357, Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center refused to cooperate with audit, says PA Auditor General. At one Philadelphia lab alone, 800 pounds of speed with a street value of $18 million were manufactured, Fountain said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. They were for street- to mid-level drug dealers, he added. The gang operated from the East Hills, Homewood and Wilkinsburg all the way to Latrobe. In October 1989, two labs, 30 pounds of speed and a half pound of cocaine were seized. The cocaine ring was. PITTSBURGHAfter a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in the Homewood section of the City of Pittsburgh and other communities in the Greater Pittsburgh area, 40 people have been indicted . Fax:412-644-4549, Johnstown:814-533-4547 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A lock ( The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . He is associated with the street gang, but police said he was indicted separately. The investigation began in the winter of 1988 with a street-level buy by a Philadelphia police officer, the state police said. But what if it was just in their heads? Most of the dealers are street- to mid-level with a few that are upper-level for the Fayette County area. wpvi. 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.". The 50 pounds of cocaine worth $10 million seized in North Braddock this week marked the regions biggest drug bust in recent memory, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala said Tuesday. Dozens arrested, heroin seized in major Pa. drug bust. WPXI Shot Boyz Organization 25 people were indicted as part of a fentanyl trafficking ring. Zappala said investigators learned from the FBI that Clark and Suggs Jr. have lengthy criminal records related to drug charges and have been linked to major drug trafficking operations originating in countries such as Colombia and Mexico. Those arrested were transported to the Fayette County Prison by the Fayette County Sheriff's office. When they left with it, state police pulled them over and confiscated it, said Marino, whose county drug strike force assisted in the probe. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Brady said 30% of all shots fired calls in the City of Pittsburgh come from Zone 5. We are dedicated to working collaboratively to ensure the safety of communities across Pennsylvania. Federal investigators continue to search for Todd Moses, 33, of Decatur, Ga. Moses, formerly of Donora, is one of 39 individuals indicted in a cocaine-trafficking ring Tuesday, April 24, 2018. "This is a major organization that was trafficking hundreds of kilograms of cocaine across the entire country and has direct ties to the Sinaloan Cartel in Mexico," Brady said. Let's Find Out, PA County Wants To Make Its Own Gun Laws After Recent Court Defeat. Taylor is a convicted felon who is barred from owning a gun. In total, the drugs and money seized equaled nearly $100,000. ", "Today the DEA District Office in Pittsburgh, the United States Postal Services Office of Inspector General, and our other law enforcement counterparts dismantled an international cocaine drug trafficking organization that operated in Los Angeles, Tucson, and Mexico," said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. Suite 115 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. Two indictments led to the charges against the 39 people, one of whom has been in federal prison since the late 2000s and continued to coordinate and communicate with the ring from prison, Brady said. Montgomery District Attorney Michael D. Marino said some of the drug ring members used a vacant house on Visitation Road in Evansburg State Park. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. While the state has many notable things that make it special, it is not exempt from the drug trade. These guys are players.. "There are no boundaries in law enforcement in Fayette County today," said county District Attorney Nancy Vernon. It had just been cooked.. "I think that's a record," said Vernon. Taylor has been charged with 10 felonies and five misdemeanors in connection with this investigation, court records show. / CBS Pittsburgh. Johnstown, PA 15901, Pittsburgh:412-644-3500 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The warranted search led to the discovery of multiple drugs, guns, vehicles, and more than $545,000 in cash on Mar. PITTSBURGH, PA - Two Philadelphia men have been arrested in a massive drug bust in which $10 million in cocaine was seized. 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. It was used to buy drugs and relocate and protect witnesses. PITTSBURGH, PA Twenty-seven members of an international drug organization were indicted by a federal grand jury for trafficking significant quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. A few were considered "upper level" drug dealers for Fayette County. 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. All Rights Reserved. Erie, PA 16501, 319 Washington Street,Suite 200 One of the labs, in Philadelphia, is considered the largest methamphetamine lab ever seized on the East Coast and one of the largest, if not the largest, in the country, state police said. The ring was run by brothers Jamie Lightfoot Jr., 25, and Deaubre Lightfoot, 27, according to Brady, and included interstate drug trafficker Don Juan Mendoza, formerly of Lawrenceville, Ga. Brady said the drugs, which included heroin and marijuana in addition to the cocaine, were brought into the area in either a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van or a large RV. 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. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - More than two dozen people have been indicted for their alleged links to an international drug ring in Pittsburgh. Those considered mid-level dealers in Fayette County deal up to $10,000 in drugs. All told, the amount of cocaine seized had a street value of $2 million. Zappala said he could not say how the 23 kilograms seized Monday made its way to Philadelphia or entered the United States, noting it may very well have entered through a legal port of entry. Kenneth Showman, Aaron Jeffries, Frank Whipkey, Randy Cartwright, Jason Stasko, Barry Brooks, Theodore Turney, Dustin Banazak, Clarence Nicholson, Dawn Lilley, Maurice Sledge, William Fitzgerald, Jody Yauger, Carla Witherspoon, Gary W. Jordan, Preston Anthony Hill, Myron Maurice Moore, Danny Neil Jr., Joseph A. Brow. An indictment is an accusation. In October 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced one of the largest drug busts in history. Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The indictments were announced at the news conference at the Belmont barracks of the state police in Philadelphia. Please enter valid email address to continue. A search of the two mens vehicles turned up 23 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the hydraulic traps. Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. She described the indictments as the largest methamphetamine bust in state history. "We stand shoulder to shoulder with our state and local partners to fight Mexican cartels from operating in western Pennsylvania," said U.S. Attorney Brady. The Indictment charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around October 2018, and continuing until in and around June 2020: The Indictment additionally charges Defendant Trent with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, in Western District of Pennsylvania, on or about March 4, 2020. . Ages and addresses of the suspects were not available. The Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force made a record-setting drug seizure over the weekend when investigators discovered $14 million to $23 million worth of fentanyl in a Lynnwood home. montgomery county, pa drug bust montgomery county, pa drug bust. Both will be arraigned at the Allegheny County Jail. She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. These guys are of great interest to the federal government, Zappala said. Fayette County law enforcement officials said Tuesday that they had conducted "the largest drug bust in the county's history.". Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. This month the DEA made the biggest meth bust in American history: 2200 pounds of meth, nearly 900 pounds of cocaine, and 13 pounds of heroin. Operation Crystal Shield involved 893 pounds of cocaine, 13 pounds of heroin, and around 2,224 pounds of methamphetamine, making it the biggest meth bust in U.S. history. A notorious drug dealer who got his start during the crack epidemic of the 1980s and was so good at hiding his whereabouts that he was known as "the ghost" has been arrested along with dozens of . Police also seized a kilogram of heroin, 85 pounds of marijuana, an AK-47 rifle and a handgun, Brady said. Zappala said the last time he recalls a similar situation was a bust in Penn Hills, where drugs were hidden within a false bottom in a vehicle. The raid started at approximately 6 a.m., when 56 officers from various municipalities from throughout the county were briefed and dispatched in five teams. Dozens of people were arrested and more than 9,000 packets of drugs were seized in a major heroin sweep in Hazelton, Pa. . It is organized by the Fayette County District Attorney's Office. Hanging out in the kitchen, a three-foot alligator nicknamed El Chompo by police was caught red handed. 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. FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Christman called the operation a significant, coordinated effort from federal, state and local officials. Italian police claim world's largest drug bust after US$1.1 billion of amphetamines seized Jack Guy, Stephanie Halasz, Valentina DiDonato and Gul Tuysuz CNN Digital Contact Published. 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? Ronald Haggerty Jr., of the Connellsville City Police Department, said the 45 of the approximately 70 individuals had been apprehended. If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now! 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. It stretched from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles and included connections to Mexican cartels. Statistics and Facts About Binge Eating Disorder, Almond Mom Yolanda Hadid Fuels Diet Culture. "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. "Most warrants were for delivery or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance," said Burden. Investigators say a search of their two vehicles turned up a total of 23 kilograms of cocaine or more than 50 pounds with an estimated Street value of about $10 million. Sign up below to receive 10% OFF your entire order! Brian Brooms, Melvin Earl Campbell, Xavier Edward Thomas, Charles Richard Opel, Shannon Angel Stallard, James T. Michaux, Christie Verney, William Lee Friend, Charles Opel, Charles Smith, Donald Ohler, Donald "Junior" Henry, Mark Bell Jr., Melissa Faidley, Jason Motycka, Thomas Eperesi, Ronald Seiko, Lori Newman, Kara Lanphear.

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