South Park Fire + Police Protection Measures + St. Patrick's Day, 3 Dead, Another Injured In 2 Pittsburgh-Area Shootings, Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Battles, Local Brand Advisor offers services in Pittsburgh. He noted that many drug users are now overdosing on deadly combinations of cocaine and fentanyl. 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 6abc. 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. 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. An indictment is an accusation. Called the Shot Boyz, 25 people were charged, according to police. Five labs where speed was made were shut down during the course of the probe. First published on September 4, 2020 / 4:45 PM. 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. ", First published on April 14, 2021 / 3:14 AM. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Zappala said the case builds on collaborative law enforcement work by local and federal officials to keep drugs out of the region. Fentanyl sold on the streets typically enters Pennsylvania through Canada, while the majority of heroin and cocaine originates in South America, Zappala 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 investigation was a five month wiretap investigation, according to law enforcement. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. 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. Were committed to the Mon Valley and to the eastern sections of Allegheny County, Zappala said. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Evidence seized during a two-year investigation into a cross-country cocaine trafficking ring that led to the indictment of 39 individuals Tuesday, April 24, 2018. 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. "This case is another example of how essential law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking. PITTSBURGH, PA - Two Philadelphia men have been arrested in a massive drug bust in which $10 million in cocaine was seized. 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. Let's Find Out, PA County Wants To Make Its Own Gun Laws After Recent Court Defeat. She admitted they may not all be apprehended in one day or two days. 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. 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. You will be arrested. The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . Another lab was raided in January 1990. 950 N Federal Highway Sgt. FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Christman called the operation a significant, coordinated effort from federal, state and local officials. 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. Erie, PA 16501, 319 Washington Street,Suite 200 In between, Pennsylvania boasts vast areas of forest for which it got its name. PITTSBURGH, PA - Two Philadelphia men have been arrested in a massive drug bust in which $10 million in cocaine was seized. "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. Lock Disclosure: 18 Biggest Drug Busts In U.S. History is originally published at Insider Monkey. "Most warrants were for delivery or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance," said Burden. ", "We wont back down, communities need law enforcement to work together as weve done in Operation Tripwire," Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now! Eight pounds of speed was seized from the Montgomery lab, Fountain said. 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. 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. They were for street- to mid-level drug dealers, he added. 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. "(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. 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. But what if it was just in their heads? Sign up below to receive 10% OFF your entire order! ", "The function of the Postal Service is to deliver the nations mail, not transport illegal drugs into our community for drug traffickers. queensland figure skating. A 26th person, Keith Redman, was also charged with one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition. 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. The arrests include Lawrence Pirollo of Philadelphia and John Gatto of Somerdale, N.J., identified by federal investigators as top managers of the ring. 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. The warranted search led to the discovery of multiple drugs, guns, vehicles, and more than $545,000 in cash on Mar. In total, the drugs and money seized equaled nearly $100,000. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS In October 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced one of the largest drug busts in history. Police found 1,800kg (283 stone) of what is known locally as. Four teams were sent to the northern part of the county; one large team was sent to the southern part. 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. 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. Jermaine Clark and Terry Suggs Jr. were booked into Allegheny County Jail on drug and conspiracy charges. He is associated with the street gang, but police said he was indicted separately. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - More than two dozen people have been indicted for their alleged links to an international drug ring in Pittsburgh. 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. The investigation was headed by the District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team and aided by the Pennsylvania State Police, North Versailles police and Swissvale police. 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. When they left with it, state police pulled them over and confiscated it, said Marino, whose county drug strike force assisted in the probe. These drugs then ended up on the streets of Pittsburgh. With help from the FBI and local police, investigators from the District Attorneys Office on Monday arrested two highly sought-after Philadelphia men accused of having deep ties to major drug trafficking operations originating in South America, Zappala said. An official website of the United States government. She added that she feels 70 warrants issued in one day is an impressive amount for a small county. prisons spend $15M after guards were sickened by K2. SHARE. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. April 14, 2021 / 3:14 AM You cant enter the war on drugs with nickels and dimes, he said. Statistics and Facts About Binge Eating Disorder, Almond Mom Yolanda Hadid Fuels Diet Culture. Police also seized a kilogram of heroin, 85 pounds of marijuana, an AK-47 rifle and a handgun, Brady said. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. It is organized by the Fayette County District Attorney's Office. Walp said $108,000 from the governors PennFree anti-drug program was key in the success of the operation. 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. 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. "By taking down an entire multistate organization at once, the impact on our region is felt immediately," Brady said. In October 1989, two labs, 30 pounds of speed and a half pound of cocaine were seized. All the people indicted are from Philadelphia or New Jersey except one man from Florida. The investigation began in the winter of 1988 with a street-level buy by a Philadelphia police officer, the state police said. biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa. julia baird barrister ava law group reviews ralph woolfolk wife notice of intent to serve subpoena pennsylvania. While the state has many notable things that make it special, it is not exempt from the drug trade. "Although fighting the opioid epidemic remains this office's top priority, this case is clear evidence of a disturbing trend: Cocaine is making a comeback in this region," Brady said. 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. 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. . "I think it sends a message to the drug community to show them that we mean business.". 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. We have been able to reach the top echelon of the methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution ring in Pennsylvania, State Police Commissioner Col. Glenn A. Walp said at anews conference in Philadelphia to announce the indictments. Investigators say the operation is one of the largest ever undertaken in western Pennsylvania. A search of the two mens vehicles turned up 23 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the hydraulic traps. A few were considered "upper level" drug dealers for Fayette County. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Brady said 30% of all shots fired calls in the City of Pittsburgh come from Zone 5. 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. Confidential agreement uncovered allowed Pa. car show to happen despite COVID-19 restrictions, Allegheny County, WPIAL clarify restrictions on outdoor gatherings of 50 people for youth and high school sports, VIDEO: Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center refused to cooperate with audit, says PA Auditor General, DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts, Alabama man fatally mauled by pack of dogs, coroner says, 3 people dead after 2 separate shootings in McKeesport; scenes not connected, police say, Remains found in New Castle identified as man reported missing in 2013, Man facing charges after police chase on busy Ambridge road, Man found dead in courtyard after shooting in Arlington Heights. the largest drug seizures in United States history," U.S. Attorney for the . Vernon said she couldn't anticipate when the remaining individuals would be apprehended. |, Guard alligator El Chompo protected drugs for Pennsylvania dealers, prosecutors say. Dozens arrested, heroin seized in major Pa. drug bust. 700 Grant Street, Suite 4000 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. He said there are turf wars, shootings, home invasions and homicides that go hand in hand with drug trafficking. "There are no boundaries in law enforcement in Fayette County today," said county District Attorney Nancy Vernon. 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. Warrants were for street- to mid-level biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa dealers, prosecutors say what if it was just in heads. And understand your options regarding Ad Choices 4, 2020 / 4:45 PM turf wars, shootings home... 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