3 charged in takedown of multi-million dollar Philadelphia fentanyl ring
3 charged in takedown of multi-million dollar Philadelphia fentanyl ring
Prosecutors say a fentanyl trafficking operation was "in full swing" when agents busted into a home in Northeast Philadelphia that served as the headquarters for a massive, cross-state fentanyl ring.
PHILADELPHIA - Prosecutors say a fentanyl trafficking operation was "in full swing" when agents busted into a home in Northeast Philadelphia that served as the headquarters for a massive, cross-state fentanyl ring.
What we know:
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against three men allegedly involved in the operation and showed off the spoils of an investigation that netted 7 kilos of fentanyl worth over $2M.
Over 2M doses of fentanyl seized during takedown of Philadelphia drug ring
Prosecutors in Philadelphia announced on Friday the takedown of a massive fentanyl trafficking ring, resulting in three arrests and over millions of doses of fentanyl seized.
"Fentanyl continues to be an easily obtainable and highly profitable drug of choice for predatory traffickers," Sunday said.
Johan Manuel Almonte-Ortiz, 26; Argedys Noel De La Cruz Jerez, 33; and Domingo Cedeno-Pimentel, 37, were charged with felony drug trafficking, conspiracy, and related offenses.
Sunday said the fentanyl trafficking operation was "in full swing" when agents busted into a home on Wellington Street in Northeast Philadelphia. There, investigators found 100,000 packets of fentanyl and over 100 stamps to brand the drugs.
Through the investigation, it was learned that the drugs were packaged for street sale at the house on Wellongton Street, and distributed at another property on nearby Montague Street. The drugs were pushed across Philadelphia and western Pennsylvania.
What they're saying:
Sunday touted the collaborative work done by law enforcement agencies to dismantle the drug trafficking operation, but admitted their work is far from done.
"This is not our first takedown of high-level fentanyl traffickers, and it won’t be our last," he said, while flanked by members of the FBI, Philadelphia Police Department, and Department of Homeland Security.
"With our partners, we seized more than 2.5 million doses of fentanyl — each dose with the potential and potency to end a life,"
What's next:
The investigation remains ongoing, according to prosecutors.