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. Disclosure: 18 Biggest Drug Busts In U.S. History is originally published at Insider Monkey. Dozens arrested, heroin seized in major Pa. drug bust. 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 Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 17 South Park Row, Room A330 . 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. Philadelphia police called in the state police for help and, after multiple street-level arrests, the investigation was expanded into New Jersey. SHARE. Let's Find Out, PA County Wants To Make Its Own Gun Laws After Recent Court Defeat. Sign up and receive email updates on the latest news, events, and more! Domonique Taylor, 37, had his home on Moody Street in Pittsburgh's Braddock neighborhood searched as part of an investigation five police departments were assisting in since Aug. 2021. PITTSBURGH - A leader of one of the largest Drug Trafficking Organizations to operate in the Pittsburgh area has pleaded guilty to federal narcotics and firearm charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Jermaine Clark and Terry Suggs Jr. were booked into Allegheny County Jail on drug and conspiracy charges. All complaints and concerns are fully investigated by corporate compliance and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations. The investigation began in the winter of 1988 with a street-level buy by a Philadelphia police officer, the state police said. PITTSBURGH More than two dozen people were charged in connection with a fentanyl distribution ring stretching across Pittsburghs eastern neighborhoods and into Wilkinsburg, according to FBI and local police officials. At one Philadelphia lab alone, 800 pounds of speed with a street value of $18 million were manufactured, Fountain said. 25 people were indicted as part of a fentanyl trafficking ring. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. PITTSBURGH, PA - Two Philadelphia men have been arrested in a massive drug bust in which $10 million in cocaine was seized. Sign up below to receive 10% OFF your entire order! Their estimated value is $450,000, state police said. Brady said 30% of all shots fired calls in the City of Pittsburgh come from Zone 5. Were committed to the Mon Valley and to the eastern sections of Allegheny County, Zappala said. Also attending were Marino, Preate and officials representing the Philadelphia police, the district attorney, the New Jersey state police, the DEA and the U.S. Attorneys Office. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. This investigation and prosecution relied on critical partnerships and resources, made available by the Office of National Drug Control Policys designation of Allegheny County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) on September 24, 2018. 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. U.S. Attorney Scott Brady says the drug pipeline. She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. the largest drug seizures in United States history," U.S. Attorney for the . PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - More than two dozen people have been indicted for their alleged links to an international drug ring in Pittsburgh. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. 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. She admitted they may not all be apprehended in one day or two days. September 4, 2020 / 4:45 PM Murphy told CNN affiliate WSB that it is by far the biggest heroin seizure in Georgia's. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. He is associated with the street gang, but police said he was indicted separately. The meth was still hot, Fountain said. 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. Lock Officers intercepted a truck carrying 55 million methamphetamine tablets and. "I think it sends a message to the drug community to show them that we mean business.". Allegheny County District Attorneys Office. prisons spend $15M after guards were sickened by K2. One of the largest drug busts in the history of Pennsylvania was announced by Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Thursday. Dozens of people were arrested and more than 9,000 packets of drugs were seized in a major heroin sweep in Hazelton, Pa. . uss canberra crew list. 0 . Both defendants have been charged with Possession, Possession with intent to deliver, Conspiracy and criminal use of a communication device. He'd been indicted on federal drug charges years earlier. 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.". 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. Attorney General . Unfortunately, this scheme has gone on for quite some time, Zappala said. 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The two-year investigation, called Operation Heavy Hand, included the FBI, state police, and police in Pittsburgh, South Strabane, Elizabeth Borough, Penn Hills and Perryopolis. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. According to authorities, the wiretaps, done in 1989, showed that the speed was delivered to Pirollo and Gatto, who took it to New Jersey to be cut and packaged. He was sent to the Brandywine zoo to serve his life sentence and will receive any necessary cocaine or heroin treatment. women's college lacrosse workout program. Investigators, who had been tracking the pairs movements, pulled the suspects over while they were driving in separate vehicles in North Braddock on Monday after securing warrants for their arrests. Domonique Taylor, 37, had his home on Moody Street in Pittsburghs Braddock neighborhood searched as part of an investigation five police departments were assisting in since Aug. 2021. On the other side of the state is Pittsburgh, the Steel City known in the past for its tough, blue-collar workforce. If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now! Have a question about Government Services? Most of the dealers are street- to mid-level with a few that are upper-level for the Fayette County area. 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,. . 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. In October 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced one of the largest drug busts in history. Covid-19 could be making things worse Authorities estimate the value of the drugs at $8.5 million. 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. "Drug traffickers should be put on notice that when we identify a suspicious parcel, we will use all of our investigative resources to identify those responsible. "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. Taylor has been charged with 10 felonies and five misdemeanors in connection with this investigation, court records show. The cocaine ring was among the largest in the history of Western Pennsylvania, Brady said. Operation Tripwire began shortly after Allegheny Countys designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and represents the most significant HIDTA prosecution to date. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. You will be found. The gang operated from the East Hills, Homewood and Wilkinsburg all the way to Latrobe. 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. Four teams were sent to the northern part of the county; one large team was sent to the southern part. 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. Police found 1,800kg (283 stone) of what is known locally as. It. 1 . A search of the two mens vehicles turned up 23 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the hydraulic traps. 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. Erie, PA 16501, 319 Washington Street,Suite 200 By 6abc. The cocaine ring was. An official website of the United States government. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Ages and addresses of the suspects were not available. Five labs where speed was made were shut down during the course of the probe. Brady said law enforcement has been going zone by zone and neighborhood by neighborhood to take out street gangs, drug rings and violent offenders. 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. Posted on 26 Feb in delores winans grandchildren. Those arrested were transported to the Fayette County Prison by the Fayette County Sheriff's office. 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. Fax:814-533-4545. Police began tracking chemicals used in making speed, and wiretaps were approved with the assistance of state Attorney General Ernie Preate. Please enter valid email address to continue. |, Guard alligator El Chompo protected drugs for Pennsylvania dealers, prosecutors say. There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in . Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. 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. First published on September 4, 2020 / 4:45 PM. Official websites use .gov Following is a list of Fayette County residents who were issued warrants: Shelby Feniello, Caleb Langgle, James Cunningham, Mark Tressler, Francis Straughters, Gary Lewellen, Bart Yagla, Fred "Tony" Simon, Scott Lazar, Dale Gould, Jane Gould, Joseph Sherwood, Melissa Hall, Duane Brown, Andreas Key, Stanford Russell, Antwaun Bush, Dontay Stokes, Keith Thomas, Tyrone Brown, Dennis Stewart, Jamie Carraway, Michael Speddon, Thomas Teets, Joshua Snyder, Tabitha Steindl, Jeremy Showman. The incident occurred on July 11, 1990. "This cooperative effort between the great men and women of law enforcement in our County has kept 2,500 bags containing heroin and fentanyl off of our streets. Those considered mid-level dealers in Fayette County deal up to $10,000 in drugs. 22 at 8:30 a.m. Operation Tripwire started 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package. 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. Police said some individuals are still being sought and an updated list will follow. Pompano Beach, FL 33062. 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. All told, the amount of cocaine seized had a street value of $2 million. Zappala said hes unhappy with the $25,000 bail set for each defendant. Alyssa who is the National Director of Digital Marketing, joined the Banyan team in 2016, bringing her five-plus years of experience. An indictment is an accusation. 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. A lock ( The HIDTA designation of our largest counties enhances our ability to identify and dismantle international drug trafficking organizations which pose a serious, sustained threat to our communities. 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. "This is one of the largest drug busts, if not the largest, in the history of the city of Wilkes-Barre." The early morning police raid at four locations in Wilkes-Barre netted what cops. ", First published on April 14, 2021 / 3:14 AM. This may be the biggest meth bust in American. ", "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. 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. A former Monessen man pleaded guilty to helping to run one of the largest drug trafficking organizations in the history of Southwestern Pennsylvania. 11, according to the release and court records. 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