DA: Drugs seized, fugitive arrested following Somerset Co. bust

According to Somerset County District Attorney Jeff Thomas, a fugitive was taken into custody Friday afternoon following a drug bust in Friedens. Thomas says a large amount of methamphetamine and marijuana were seized from the residence. The identity of the fugitive has not yet been released. Both the Somerset County Drug Task Force and Somerset County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the bust.

Source: DA: Drugs seized, fugitive arrested following Somerset Co. bust

Man called one of ‘Chicago’s Most Wanted’ arrested in Pittsburgh suburb

PITTSBURGH — In 2019, media reports out of Chicago said the FBI was looking for an alleged drug trafficker as one of their “Most Wanted”. Randall Langston, 25, was arrested at an apartment complex in Pittsburgh’s Highland Park neighborhood.

According to court documents, agents with a state narcotics task force, involving members of several local police departments, used a criminal informant to buy 50 bricks of heroin from a man who went by the name “Chicago.” The operation was set up to take place at the Highland House Towers apartment complex.

On Friday afternoon, police set up a perimeter around the complex as the informant texted “Chicago” that he was parked at the rear of the building. “Chicago” messaged back that he was on his way down. A short time later, the informant confirmed to police that “Chicago” was walking toward their meeting spot.

Agents then converged on the man as he took off running. After about 30 yards, the man was tackled to the ground by officers wearing clothing clearly marked with POLICE lettering. The man was later identified as Langston.

Police said they found a large clear plastic bag in Langston’s waistband containing 50 bricks of heroin.

They searched his apartment, finding a gun, digital scales, heroin stamp bags, a black trash bag containing a large quantity of heroin and other drug paraphernalia. Investigators later learned Langston had a fugitive warrant from the FBI office in Chicago.

Langston was charged with receiving stolen property, possession with intent to deliver and other charges.

It’s not clear if Langston will be extradited back to Chicago to face charges there.

Source: Man called one of ‘Chicago’s Most Wanted’ arrested in Pittsburgh suburb

‘Cocaine bananas’ shipped to grocery stores in botched operation

A botched drug-trafficking operation resulted in banana shipments stashed with cocaine being accidentally sent to Canadian grocery stores, authorities said.

Police in Kelowna said Tuesday that 21 kilograms (46 pounds) of cocaine was shipped from Colombia as part of the failed drug deal, Global News reported.

“Our investigation leads us to believe these illicit drugs were not meant to end up in the Central Okanagan, and arrived here in the Okanagan Valley as a result of a missed pickup at some point along the way,” said Jeff Carroll, an officer with the Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Source: ‘Cocaine bananas’ shipped to grocery stores in botched operation

Man killed in home invasion, one charged

Police said it was reported that two men invaded the home in the 2900 block of Grover Street in McKeesport. A witness told police there was a knock at the rear door of the home and when they answered, a firearm was pointed in their face.

A witness identified Hale, and it was reported that Hale hit Gutierrez-Faust in the head and face multiple times and then strangled him, according to the criminal complaint.

The second suspect, still unidentified, then reached into Gutierrez-Faust’s pocket after and took money and crack cocaine, according to the document.

Police said it was reported that two men invaded the home in the 2900 block of Grover Street in McKeesport. A witness told police there was a knock at the rear door of the home and when they answered, a firearm was pointed in their face.

A witness identified Hale, and it was reported that Hale hit Gutierrez-Faust in the head and face multiple times and then strangled him, according to the criminal complaint.

The second suspect, still unidentified, then reached into Gutierrez-Faust’s pocket after and took money and crack cocaine, according to the document.

Source: Man killed in home invasion, one charged

Tse Chi Lop, one of the world’s biggest drug dealers, arrested in Amsterdam – CNN

(CNN)A Chinese-born alleged drug kingpin accused of presiding over a multi-billion dollar narcotics operation has been arrested by Dutch authorities.

Canadian national Tse Chi Lop was detained at Amsterdam’s Schipol International Airport on Friday, according to Australian Federal Police (AFP), which has taken the lead in a sprawling international investigation. Before his arrest, Tse was one of the world’s most-wanted fugitives.
Authorities allege that Tse, 57, is the leader of the Sam Gor Syndicate, arguably the biggest drug-trafficking operation in Asia’s history. Experts say he is in the same league as notorious drug lords El Chapo and Pablo Escobar.

Source: Tse Chi Lop, one of the world’s biggest drug dealers, arrested in Amsterdam – CNN

Chicago man faces multiple drug charges after bust in Steubenville | WTOV

A large amount of drugs seized in Steubenville on Thursday night landed two people in jail.

Jamal Goings, 30, of Chicago, was arrested, along with 22-year-old Mayia Dokes of Mingo Junction, who was present at the search and arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear.

Goings faces multiple drug charges, including drug trafficking and possession, following a search in a Steubenville home.

Policed seized 60 grams of fentanyl, 30 grams of crack, and $500 during the search.

Source: Chicago man faces multiple drug charges after bust in Steubenville | WTOV

Jeannette man arrested on drug charges after foot chase in city | TribLIVE.com

Rashaad Ricardo Shepard, 41, is being held in the Westmoreland County Prison without bond.

City police and agents from the state Attorney General’s office said they used a confidential informant this week to make a controlled buy from Shepard at his Columbia Court home. Officers were watching Shepard’s home at 5 p.m. Wednesday while a search warrant was being prepared when they saw him get into a pickup truck and travel a couple blocks to a store, according to court papers.

When police converged on the truck, they said Shepard fled on foot, attempting to hide in some brush behind a South Seventh Street home and running onto Bullitt Avenue. Officers used a Taser on the front stoop of his home and took Shepard into custody, according to court papers.

In a wallet he was holding, investigators reported finding the money used during the controlled buy. Officers retraced his route from the store and found 31 stamp bags of suspected heroin and almost 4 grams of crack cocaine, both of which appeared to have been recently dropped on the ground. Police said they seized two scales and plastic bags from his home.

Source: Jeannette man arrested on drug charges after foot chase in city | TribLIVE.com

Ambulance crews responding to large number of overdoses across Fayette, Westmoreland counties

GREENSBURG, Pa. — Ambulance crews have been responding to a substantial amount of overdose calls in Fayette County and across parts of Westmoreland County. Officials believe there could be a “bad batch” of drugs behind the problem.

“When a batch of bad substance comes into your area, normally it is in bulk so we don’t see one overdose here, one here, isolated. We start to see multiple calls in the same area,” said John Duke with Brownsville Ambulance Service.

In the last 24 hours, medics responded to over a dozen calls related to suspected drug overdoses and people under the influence. From the Connellsville area to Fayette City and Saltlick Township, at least three of the overdoses were deadly. Duke said the behavior of the people under the influence has been concerning.

“Combativeness. Walking around town with no shirt or pants on. Just stuff that’s totally off the wall and out there,” he said.Officials said while it’s dangerous to the people taking the substances, it’s also taxing on the crews who respond.“We all staff based on our call volume and what we can substantiate financially and when this additional call volume comes on, none of us are prepared for it,” Duke said.He’s putting out a warning about the drugs, especially after three people died.“Time still matters. If you have signs or symptoms of anything, call us. Let us get you the treatment you need,” Duke said.

Source: Ambulance crews responding to large number of overdoses across Fayette, Westmoreland counties

Clinton man dead after taking heroin, woman he took it with arrested | MyWabashValley.com

CLINTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Clinton woman was arrested for heroin possession after being with a man who died after taking it, Vermillion County Sheriff Mike Phelps reported Saturday.

On Friday at approximately 3:15 a.m. a 911 call brought law enforcement and emergency medical professionals to a residence on N. 9th Street in Clinton for a 30-year-old male who was unresponsive. Samual Greene was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 3:30 a.m.

During the investigation, officers discovered that Sabrina Dailey, 26, of rural Clinton had been with Greene at the time of his death and neglected to call 911, contacting instead a friend of Greene’s who arrived on scene, called 911 and initiated CPR.

Officers later located Dailey at her residence on State Rd. 163. Dailey admitted she had bought heroin and that she and Greene used it. A search turned up a small amount of heroin and several items of paraphernalia consistent with drug use and distribution.

Dailey was taken into custody for possession of heroin and is currently being held at the Vermillion County Jail on a $10,000 bond with 10% allowed. Greene’s autopsy is scheduled for Saturday.

Source: Clinton man dead after taking heroin, woman he took it with arrested | MyWabashValley.com

Side Effects of Smoking Marijuana Every Day, According to Science

Marijuana is now legal in more states than ever before, with medical marijuana proving an essential tool to relieve symptoms caused by chemotherapy and AIDS, or for those in chronic pain. Others just use it to relax, especially during stressful times (like the ones we’re going through now). But it’s important to note that smoking marijuana doesn’t come without risks, particularly if you do it every day. Here is what could possibly happen, so you can be aware of the risks as well as the rewards. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had Coronavirus.  1 You Might Impair Your Senses&Have Mood and Behavior Changes Daily marijuana use can lead to “feelings of fatigue or apathy; feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or panic; temporary hallucinations,” says Dr. Jenna Liphart Rhoads. As well as, “trouble taking care of oneself and lack of hygiene practices; disconnecting from activities or people they once enjoyed; impaired memory and confusion.” 2 You Put Yourself at Risk for Respiratory Diseases “Chronically inflamed airways that result in a chronic cough, sore throat, or runny nose, and put the user at a higher risk for respiratory diseases or illnesses,” says Dr. Rhoads.  3 You Might Develop Marijuana Use Disorder “Make no mistake about it, smoking marijuana daily carries with it very real potential for addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that between 9% and 30% of those who use regularly will develop marijuana use disorder,” says Dr. Mary Gay. “I have observed significant negative effects on clients who habitually use marijuana including reduced academic performance, job loss, legal consequences, depression, anxiety, and in several cases, psychotic symptoms requiring hospitalization.” 4 You May Have an Increased Risk of Heart Issues “Compared with placebo, marijuana cigarettes cause increases in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and forearm blood flow via increased sympathetic nervous system activity,” says Dr. Kim Langdon. “In addition, marijuana has been associated with triggering heart attacks in young male patients. Smoking marijuana has been shown to increase the risk of MI onset by a factor of 4.8 for the 60 minutes after marijuana consumption, and to increase the annual risk of MI in the daily cannabis user from 1.5% to 3% per year.” 5 You Might Cause Functional and Structural Changes in Your Brain “Functional MRI studies have also revealed functional and structural changes in brain areas involved in reward processing after chronic cannabis use and in the processing of emotion,” says Dr. Langdon. “Some studies show a higher incidence of schizophrenia in chronic adolescent and teenage use of marijuana.” 6 You Might Have Changes in the Homeostasis in Your Body “Daily use of cannabis can desensitize the endocannabinoid system and override its natural capacity to maintain homeostasis. In layman’s terms, using medical marijuana too frequently can knock your endocannabinoid system out of whack a bit, which can have an effect (though not always a negative one) on some of your body’s natural processes, like your sleeping habits, mood, appetite, memory, and fertility,” says Dr. Daniel Whitelocke, M.D., Founder of AR MMJ Cards. “Because the endocannabinoid system was only identified as recently as the 1990s, experts are still working toward fully understanding it.” 7 You Might Have Pregnancy Issues “Marijuana use during pregnancy can be harmful to your baby’s health. The chemicals in marijuana (in particular, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) pass through your system to your baby and can harm your baby’s development,” says the CDC. “Some research shows that using marijuana while you are pregnant can cause health problems in newborns— including low birth weight.” 8 You May Have Fertility Issues Smoking daily increases the chances of having “problems with decreased fertility in both males and females,” says Dr. Rhoads. It can also be a factor in erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.  RELATED: What Taking Ibuprofen Every Day Does to Your Body 9 What About Withdrawal? “Withdrawal from cannabis seems to induce a lack of motivation. Cognitive dysfunction and memory problems are other potential problems such as abnormal response to stress,” says Dr. Langdon. “A clinical diagnosis of cannabis withdrawal includes irritability, anger or aggression, nervousness or anxiety, sleep difficulty, decreased appetite or weight loss, restlessness, depressed mood, and physical symptoms causing significant discomfort such as shakiness or tremors, sweating, fever, chills, and headaches.” 10 On the Other Hand…  “Marijuana is said to be a fantastic muscle relaxant, and people swear by its ability to lessen tremors in Parkinson’s disease.

Source: Side Effects of Smoking Marijuana Every Day, According to Science

Woman accused of fleeing police, driving 130+ mph on Route 119 in Westmoreland County – WPXI

GREENSBURG, Pa. — A woman who fled police at speeds exceeding 130 mph on Route 119 faces multiple charges and will appear before a judge next month.

According to our partners at TribLive.com, 44-year-old Roxanna Varriano of Jeannette was charged with illegally operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, illegal possession of marijuana, failing to use a seat belt and other charges after the incident in East Huntingdon.

State police said a trooper was patrolling the area around 12:30 p.m. Dec. 7 when Varriano flew past his patrol vehicle. The trooper said in court documents that Varriano’s 2020 Camaro was going more than 130 mph before she pulled off the road. The posted speed limit in the area is 65 mph.

Source: Woman accused of fleeing police, driving 130+ mph on Route 119 in Westmoreland County

Drug bust in New Castle reveals large amount of cocaine and heroin | WKBN.com

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (WKBN) – Charges are pending after police found a large amount of drugs and cash inside a New Castle home on Monday.

The Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office along with several law enforcement agencies served a search warrant at a home on Park Avenue.

During the search, officers found nearly 300 grams of cocaine, 68 grams of heroin and 57 grams of crack cocaine.

They also found several firearms and $27,000 in cash.

Source: Drug bust in New Castle reveals large amount of cocaine and heroin | WKBN.com

FBI Pittsburgh Takes 2 People Into Custody In Connection With Pagans Motorcycle Club Investigation – CBS Pittsburgh

Photos provided by FBI Pittsburgh)

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – FBI Pittsburgh took two people in custody in connection with an investigation into the Pagans Motorcycle Club.FBI Pittsburgh asked for help looking for Dominic Quarture and Richard Lee White III on Thursday. Later in the afternoon, both had been apprehended.

It comes after dozens of Pagans Motorcycle Club members and associates were charged with trafficking drugs through western Pennsylvania.U.S. Attorney Scott Brady says the Pagans have used violence to control cocaine, heroin and meth trafficking in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette and Washington counties. Thirty people were charged in three separate indictments unsealed Tuesday.

Brady says search warrants led to the seizure of 12 firearms, “significant quantities” of drugs and $28,000 in cash and jewelry.

Source: FBI Pittsburgh Takes 2 People Into Custody In Connection With Pagans Motorcycle Club Investigation – CBS Pittsburgh

Website highlights drug and alcohol treatment options | News | lancasteronline.com

Dec. 7—A new website launched by the Cambria County Drug & Alcohol Program is designated to increase awareness among county residents of the drug- and alcohol-related treatment options available to them through the program, officials said.

The website, www.cambriadrugandalcohol.com, was described on Thursday by Fred Oliveros, program administrator, as “part of our ongoing efforts to make residents aware that drug and alcohol treatment is available at no cost.”

“Online searches are often a first step for individuals seeking information,” Oliveros said.

ARE YOU READY TO GET HELP?

  • Central Park Complex110 Franklin Street, Suite 300,Johnstown, PA 15901

Source: Website highlights drug and alcohol treatment options | News | lancasteronline.com

Authorities seize $80K worth of meth in Somerset bust | News | tribdem.com

 

One person is in custody after a drug bust was executed by investigators Thursday night on the 400 block of West Patriot Street in Somerset Borough, Somerset County District Attorney Jeff Thomas said.

Authorities seized approximately $80,000 worth of methamphetamine that was packaged for sale, several firearms, incendiary devices and a large amount of cash.

“This is the largest bust we’ve definitely had under my tenure here,” Thomas said

Source: Authorities seize $80K worth of meth in Somerset bust | News | tribdem.com

Federal marijuana decriminalization now – New York Daily News

Communities of color in America are grappling with multiple threats to their health and safety: the COVID-19 pandemic, the menace of mass incarceration and the deadly epidemic of police brutality and violence.

The consensus is clear: Marijuana criminalization is a tool of oppression, not public safety. Federally decriminalizing marijuana will not heal the deep wounds caused by decades of biased enforcement, but it is a critical step toward a more fair, just and trustworthy legal system.

Meanwhile, a new poll found that support for legal marijuana is at a new high of 68% amongst U.S. adults. As a long-time congressional champion for criminal justice reform as well as an original cosponsor of the MORE Act in the House, and the elected prosecutor for the city of Baltimore, we have both witnessed the harms of marijuana criminalization. And we are proud to stand with our law enforcement and criminal justice colleagues who signed a joint statement calling on Congress to enact the reforms set forth in the MORE Act. This is an opportunity for the United States to lead on social, economic and restorative justice, and we urge members of Congress to seize it.

Source: Federal marijuana decriminalization now – New York Daily News

21 indicted in local cocaine, heroin ring supplied from N.J. | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A federal grand jury has indicted 21 people on charges of dealing drugs as part of a trafficking organization operating in Allegheny, Washington and Fayette counties.

They are charged with dealing cocaine, crack, heroin and fentanyl, the U.S. attorney’s office said, following a seven-month wiretap investigation of 10 cellphones and dubbed “Operation Skyfall” by federal agents and police.

Authorities said the ring was led by Marcus Brown of Washington, Pa., who was arrested in October after a trip to pick up drugs in a New Jersey hotel parking lot. It was active across Western Pennsylvania and supplied out of New Jersey.

According to a criminal complaint filed in October, Mr. Brown and Steve Law IV obtained cocaine and heroin from New Jersey suppliers and distributed it in the Pittsburgh region, particularly in Washington County.

Source: 21 indicted in local cocaine, heroin ring supplied from N.J. | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Almost 7 pounds of suspected cocaine seized during Pa. Turnpike traffic stop in Hempfield | TribLIVE.com

Detroit man is being held in the Westmoreland County Prison after state police said they found almost seven pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in his car, according to court papers.

Kenneth Johnson, 36, is charged with two drug offenses.

A trooper was patrolling the Pennsylvania Turnpike Monday afternoon in Hempfield when a Toyota Camry changed lanes and failed to use a turn signal near mile marker 75, according to court papers. The car had two different Michigan registration plates, police said.

During a traffic stop, a warning was issued and the driver, identified as Johnson, permitted police to search the car. Troopers found a “large void” underneath the rear seat and the drugs were inside, according to court papers.

Johnson is being held in lieu of $75,000 bond. He did not have an attorney listed in online court records. A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 24.

Cocaine availability increased from 2017 to 2018 in the Philadelphia Field Division area, which includes Southwestern Pennsylvania, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2019 National Drug Threat Assessment. Cocaine played a role in about 25% of drug overdose deaths in Westmoreland County in 2019, according to coroner statistics.

It’s the second time in less than a month that a large amount of drugs was found in a hidden compartment of a vehicle traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike through Westmoreland County. Two New York men were indicted after state police reported finding more than four pounds of fentanyl in their vehicle on Oct. 20 during a traffic stop in Mt. Pleasant Township. The pair told investigators they were headed to Pittsburgh.

Source: Almost 7 pounds of suspected cocaine seized during Pa. Turnpike traffic stop in Hempfield | TribLIVE.com

Jeannette man held without bond on drug charges | TribLIVE.com

A Jeannette man was arraigned Thursday after police reported finding a large amount of cocaine and a drug packaging station in a house where he lived, according to court papers.

Michael Anthony Dewberry, 33, was being held in the Westmoreland County Prison without bond.

Agents from the state attorney general’s office and members of the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force served a search warrant at a South Seventh Street home on Oct. 19. Police said Dewberry was wanted on several arrest warrants and a narcotics investigation led authorities to the Jeannette home.

Inside, police said they found Dewberry, three other adults and four children. A large amount of cocaine was found separated into five bags in a bedroom chest of drawers that appeared to contain items belonging to Dewberry, according to court papers.

About $4,500 was found in another drawer, police said.

In the basement, authorities found a work bench and microwave that appeared to be used in packaging drugs, according to court papers.

“No food items were located in or near the microwave that would have indicated that it was used for cooking food items,” Agent Jerry Vernail wrote in the complaint.

Police said a white powder residue was found on the microwave’s turntable and on measuring cups, strainers and digital scales. A pistol was wrapped in a rag in a drawer on the work bench, according to court papers.

Source: Jeannette man held without bond on drug charges | TribLIVE.com

Jeannette man jailed following heroin, crack cocaine arrests on consecutive nights | TribLIVE.com

A Jeannette man arrested on consecutive nights last week holding several thousand dollars and large quantities of heroin and crack cocaine was deemed to be “a danger to society” by a judge and ordered held in the county jail without bail.

District Judge Wayne Vlasic of Monessen made the notation in court documents when he refused to set a bond for Duran E. Foster, 25, on multiple drug distribution and possession charges.

Vlasic arraigned Foster after state troopers searched his Division Street home on Friday, seizing 14 bricks of heroin, more than one ounce of crack cocaine, 21 anxiety pills, multiple cell phones and $4,348.

Source: Jeannette man jailed following heroin, crack cocaine arrests on consecutive nights | TribLIVE.com

Police arrest man after large heroin bust at Westmoreland Co. home

GREENSBURG, Pa. — Police arrested a man after a large heroin bust in Westmoreland County.

Chyrone Rodgers, 32, of Greensburg, was arrested after officers served a search warrant at a home on Broad Street on Wednesday.

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Source: Police arrest man after large heroin bust at Westmoreland Co. home

Cops: Man sleeping in car in Greensburg found with 47 bricks of heroin, cocaine, anxiety pills and nearly $12K | TribLIVE.com

Greensburg Police doing a routine check of a man asleep in the driver’s seat of his car in a store parking lot Thursday wound up arresting him for illegal possession of 47 bricks of heroin, a plastic bag of cocaine, several hundred Xanax pills and multiple strips of Suboxone.

Patrolman Kerry Dieter said he also confiscated $11,996 that Brandon E. Carter, 35, of Charleroi, was carrying.

Carter is charged with four counts each of illegal possession and delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property and public drunkenness. He was ordered by District Judge Chris Flanigan held in the county prison after failing to post $50,000 bond.

Paul Peirce is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@triblive.com or via Twitter .

Source: Cops: Man sleeping in car in Greensburg found with 47 bricks of heroin, cocaine, anxiety pills and nearly $12K | TribLIVE.com

PSP: Johnstown woman found with 260 Ecstasy pills following traffic stop in Indiana Co. | WJAC

State police in Indiana County arrested a Johnstown woman for drug possession on Friday, following a traffic stop, according to a news release. Troopers say 25-year-old Kaitlyn Marie Krise was charged with possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, and providing false identification to law enforcement following a traffic stop Friday evening in East Wheatfield Township. Authorities say on Friday, just before 7:30 p. m.

Source: PSP: Johnstown woman found with 260 Ecstasy pills following traffic stop in Indiana Co. | WJAC

27 Indicted In International Drug Ring Bust – CBS Pittsburgh

More than two dozen people have been indicted for their alleged links to an international drug ring in Pittsburgh.

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – More than two dozen people have been indicted for their alleged links to an international drug ring in Pittsburgh.

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. These drugs then ended up on the streets of Pittsburgh.

Operation Tripwire started 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package.

“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.

Investigators say the operation is one of the largest ever undertaken in western Pennsylvania.

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.

Source: 27 Indicted In International Drug Ring Bust – CBS Pittsburgh

Charges announced against fentanyl trafficking gang operating in Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg

Officials are announcing criminal charges against more than two dozen people involved in a fentanyl trafficking gang operating in the City of Pittsburgh’s eastern neighborhoods and Wilkinsburg.

This extensive investigation was led by the FBI – Pittsburgh, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Pittsburgh Division, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Latrobe Police Department, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Munhall Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Allegheny County Probation, the Wilkinsburg Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, and the Penn Hills Police Department.

Authorities indicted 26 gang members and six associates on numerous drug trafficking and weapons-related charges.

Twenty-three of them were arrested Thursday. Authorities seized $152,000 dollars in cash and a significant quantity of drugs including fentanyl and heroin.

U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said the arrests are the latest in a series of efforts to break up gangs with ties to larger drug distributors along the east coast and midwest.

Source: Charges announced against fentanyl trafficking gang operating in Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg

Ten charged federally in connection with ’11 Hunnit’ gang in the Hill District | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Ten people from Pittsburgh, McKees Rocks, Pitcairn and other Allegheny County communities have been charged with drug dealing following an FBI-led wiretap investigation into the 11 Hunnit street gang in the Hill District that federal agents say was led in part by slain rapper Jimmy Wopo.

The 10 were charged in four complaints filed earlier this month in federal court and unsealed on Wednesday.

The first complaint charges five people with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine from January 2020 until this month: Phillip Robinson, 30, of Pittsburgh; Joseph Clancy, 46, of Pittsburgh; Tyree Campbell, 29, of Pittsburgh; Tracy Bullock, 51, of McKees Rocks; and Sanzio Williams, 31, of Pitcairn.

Wiretaps and surveillance revealed that Clancy supplied Robinson, who redistributed the drugs to the other alleged co-conspirators.

Source: Ten charged federally in connection with ’11 Hunnit’ gang in the Hill District | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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