Todd Moses of Decatur, Ga., and originally from Donora, remains on the run. All Rights Reserved. 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 . / CBS Pittsburgh. Dozens arrested, heroin seized in major Pa. drug bust. 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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. One of the largest drug busts in the history of Pennsylvania was announced by Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Thursday. 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. Our marketing agency in Pittsburgh is ready to help right now! Fax:412-644-4549, Johnstown:814-533-4547 The incident occurred on July 11, 1990. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. After being contacted by FBI agents in Philadelphia, the District Attorneys Narcotics Enforcement Team began investigating the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh cocaine trafficking ring in July 2018. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. PITTSBURGH, PA - Two Philadelphia men have been arrested in a massive drug bust in which $10 million in cocaine was seized. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - More than two dozen people have been indicted for their alleged links to an international drug ring in Pittsburgh. 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. While the state has many notable things that make it special, it is not exempt from the drug trade. The Monroeville, Penn Hills, Elizabeth Township, Munhall, and Wilkinsburg police departments worked alongside the Office of Attorney General over the course of this investigation. 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. The operation to bust the ring included the FBI, ATF, Pittsburgh Police, Latrobe Police, Allegheny County Sheriffs Office, Munhall Police, Wilkinsburg Police, Monroeville Police and Penn Hills Police among other agencies. 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. 0 . About $90,000 worth of stock is also subject to forfeiture. 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. These drugs then ended up on the streets of Pittsburgh. Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. One of the largest drug busts in the history of Pennsylvania was announced by Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Thursday. "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. Pompano Beach, FL 33062. It was used to buy drugs and relocate and protect witnesses. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? "There are no boundaries in law enforcement in Fayette County today," said county District Attorney Nancy Vernon. When they left with it, state police pulled them over and confiscated it, said Marino, whose county drug strike force assisted in the probe. You will be arrested. He is associated with the street gang, but police said he was indicted separately. Suite 115 At one Philadelphia lab alone, 800 pounds of speed with a street value of $18 million were manufactured, Fountain said. The two groups joined forces, and a lab in Union County was discovered and seized just as people were making a chemical used in the speed manufacturing process. The gang operated from the East Hills, Homewood and Wilkinsburg all the way to Latrobe. You cant enter the war on drugs with nickels and dimes, he said. Reach her at 412-380-8519, mguza@tribweb.com or via Twitter @meganguzaTrib. 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. 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. Lock 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. You can now customize your WPXI News App to receive Allegheny County news alerts. We will work with our law enforcement partners to seize drug traffickers narcotics and money, and seek to put them in prison. Attorney General . 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. The meth was still hot, Fountain said. The warranted search led to the discovery of multiple drugs, guns, vehicles, and more than $545,000 in cash on Mar. 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. She admitted they may not all be apprehended in one day or two days. These guys are of great interest to the federal government, Zappala said. Officers intercepted a truck carrying 55 million methamphetamine tablets and. 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. 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. Heres a more detailed list of what investigators found: The street value of the fentanyl is $1.4 million, AG Shapiro says, who called the bust, "the largest fentanyl seizures by the Office of Attorney Generals Bureau of Narcotics Investigation under the Shapiro administration.. Special agents with the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, using advanced analytical tools, are always on the look-out for those who seek to abuse the mail system by sending drug parcels in the mail," said USPS OIG Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the Eastern Area Field Office. These guys are players.. 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. 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,. Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 17 South Park Row, Room A330 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. Those considered mid-level dealers in Fayette County deal up to $10,000 in drugs. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition. At least 29 people were arrested in a roundup that started at 6 a.m. 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. 11, according to the release and court records. Police in Laos have made the biggest single drug seizure ever recorded in Asia, according to the United Nations. The indictments were announced at the news conference at the Belmont barracks of the state police in Philadelphia. An official website of the United States government. In October 1989, two labs, 30 pounds of speed and a half pound of cocaine were seized. Arrests made Wednesday morning netted 37 of the 39 individuals named in the two indictments. williams legato iii headphone jack size 1; pergo heritage hickory 1; 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The investigation was headed by the District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team and aided by the Pennsylvania State Police, North Versailles police and Swissvale police. 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. . 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. But what if it was just in their heads? 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. 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. Ronald Haggerty Jr., of the Connellsville City Police Department, said the 45 of the approximately 70 individuals had been apprehended. 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. Such hiding techniques demonstrate a sophisticated type of organization, Zappala said. Johnstown, PA 15901, Pittsburgh:412-644-3500 There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in . It could not be determined late last night if Pirollo or Gatto were among those arrested. "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. 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. Ages and addresses of the suspects were not available. All complaints and concerns are fully investigated by corporate compliance and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations. the largest drug seizures in United States history," U.S. Attorney for the . Unfortunately, this scheme has gone on for quite some time, Zappala said. SHARE. "Most warrants were for delivery or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance," said Burden. First published on September 4, 2020 / 4:45 PM. 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. The Pittsburgh drug trials are considered one of baseball's biggest all-time scandals, albeit one that was "behind the scenes" and did not affect play on the field. April 14, 2021 / 3:14 AM Allegheny County District Attorneys Office. She added that she feels 70 warrants issued in one day is an impressive amount for a small county. 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. The cocaine ring was among the largest in the history of Western Pennsylvania, Brady said. 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. "We work every day to stop those who bring dangerous drugs and guns into our neighborhoods. 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. 1 It had just been cooked.. 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. 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. 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. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. 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. Two are in state prisons in Graterford and Camp Hill. Investigators say the operation is one of the largest ever undertaken in western Pennsylvania. [4] Contents 1 Testimony 2 Verdict 2.1 Suspensions 3 Aftermath 4 See also 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External links Testimony [ edit] 22 at 8:30 a.m. 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. byu men's volleyball 2022 schedule; blangolden golden retrievers. WPXI Shot Boyz Organization 25 people were indicted as part of a fentanyl trafficking ring. A drug bust in South Coatesville, Pennsylvania revealed a large stash of crack cocaine, heroin, cash, and one guard gator. U.S. Attorney Scott Brady says the drug pipeline. Erie, PA 16501, 319 Washington Street,Suite 200 700 Grant Street, Suite 4000 |, Guard alligator El Chompo protected drugs for Pennsylvania dealers, prosecutors say. ", "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. Zappala said the case builds on collaborative law enforcement work by local and federal officials to keep drugs out of the region. During the investigation, a total of 56 pounds of speed with a street value of $1.27 million was confiscated, along with $167,000 in cash and a pound of cocaine. 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. "This investigation dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking pipeline that brought major quantities of cocaine from Mexican cartels, into the United States through California and Arizona, and across the country to the streets of Pittsburgh. Both defendants have been charged with Possession, Possession with intent to deliver, Conspiracy and criminal use of a communication device. And you will go to jail, he said. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. 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. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. In all, 17 suspects were stung. They were for street- to mid-level drug dealers, he added. Operation Tripwire started 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package. 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. On the other side of the state is Pittsburgh, the Steel City known in the past for its tough, blue-collar workforce. Official websites use .gov "(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. Officials, in one day, issued approximately 70 arrest warrants. Zappala said hes unhappy with the $25,000 bail set for each defendant. 25 people were indicted as part of a fentanyl trafficking ring. The Shot Boyz street gang and its associates flooded our streets with narcotics with no regard for human life, Christman said. Taylor has been charged with 10 felonies and five misdemeanors in connection with this investigation, court records show. I hope things like this dont happen on a regular basis.. 2023 Cox Media Group. It. "Operation Tripwire," a two-year investigation with international, federal, state and local partners, identified and dismantled the organizations national network and operations from California and Arizona to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.