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. A few were considered "upper level" drug dealers for Fayette County. 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. "This case is another example of how essential law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking. 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. Protect Your Home from Ticks with Yard Guard from Viking Pest, PA To Consider Adopting Significant Police Protection Measures, What Kind Of Home Can $1.9 Million Buy In Pittsburgh? To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. "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. The task force is made up of 35 municipal police officers from all parts of the county. Dozens of people were arrested and more than 9,000 packets of drugs were seized in a major heroin sweep in Hazelton, Pa. . The DEA is thankful for its partnerships across Western Pennsylvania. Operation Tripwire began shortly after Allegheny Countys designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and represents the most significant HIDTA prosecution to date. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, 27 Members of International Cocaine Conspiracy That Trafficked Hundreds, Acting United States Attorney Rivetti Announces Implementation of New Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy, Contract Employee Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Steal Vehicles from Pittsburgh Airports Hertz Car Rental and Transport Them to Nearby States, Duquesne Man Pleads Guilty to Escaping from Reentry Center. to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts. It was the largest methamphetamine bust ever in Pennsylvania. 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. They were for street- to mid-level drug dealers, he added. Please enter valid email address to continue. 2023 Banyan Treatment Centers. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. 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. It. While the state has many notable things that make it special, it is not exempt from the drug trade. There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in . Sign up below to receive 10% OFF your entire order! The gang operated from the East Hills, Homewood and Wilkinsburg all the way to Latrobe. Many of the investigations were jointly conducted by the Fayette County Drug Task Force and the Pennsylvania State Police Troop B Vice Unit. Both men have been charged with possession, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy and criminal use of a communication device. 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. The investigation was a five month wiretap investigation, according to law enforcement. 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. Through strategic marketing campaign concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name. 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. montgomery county, pa drug bust montgomery county, pa drug bust. "I think it sends a message to the drug community to show them that we mean business.". In all, 17 suspects were stung. 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. Police in Laos have made the biggest single drug seizure ever recorded in Asia, according to the United Nations. Operation Tripwire started 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package. 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. FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Christman called the operation a significant, coordinated effort from federal, state and local officials. |, Guard alligator El Chompo protected drugs for Pennsylvania dealers, prosecutors say. All complaints and concerns are fully investigated by corporate compliance and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations. 950 N Federal Highway 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now! Subscribe to Pittsburgh Patch for more local news and real-time alerts. And you will go to jail, he said. 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. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala speaks at a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. 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. 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. Fax:814-533-4545. Zappala said the case builds on collaborative law enforcement work by local and federal officials to keep drugs out of the region. 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. FBI, Pittsburgh police announce bust of large local fentanyl distribution ring. The indictments were the result of a three-year investigation involving state and local police from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. 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. 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. Fentanyl sold on the streets typically enters Pennsylvania through Canada, while the majority of heroin and cocaine originates in South America, Zappala said. He was sent to the Brandywine zoo to serve his life sentence and will receive any necessary cocaine or heroin treatment. Allegheny County District Attorneys Office. Fax:412-644-4549, Johnstown:814-533-4547 Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 17 South Park Row, Room A330 Four teams were sent to the northern part of the county; one large team was sent to the southern part. September 4, 2020 / 4:45 PM Philadelphia police called in the state police for help and, after multiple street-level arrests, the investigation was expanded into New Jersey. 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. Hanging out in the kitchen, a three-foot alligator nicknamed El Chompo by police was caught red handed. 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. 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. "(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. The Monroeville, Penn Hills, Elizabeth Township, Munhall, and Wilkinsburg police departments worked alongside the Office of Attorney General over the course of this investigation. 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. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sgt. 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. Zappala said hes unhappy with the $25,000 bail set for each defendant. We can help! The brothers' father, Jamie Lightfoot Sr., participated in the ring from federal prison, Brady said. Follow the link to read our updated Privacy Policy, Man Rams Victim With Car, Fires Gun At Him During Argument: Somerset Prosecutor, One Dead, Two Hospitalized, 3 Schools Lockdown After McKeesport Shooting: Authorities, Approximately 14 kilograms, or 700,000 individual doses of fentanyl. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. By 6abc. The drug sales Included: cocaine, heroin, marijuana and prescription medications. "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. Walp said $108,000 from the governors PennFree anti-drug program was key in the success of the operation. Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. National household name the DEA is thankful for its partnerships across Western Pennsylvania New Jersey out of the were... The $ 25,000 bail set for each defendant where speed was made were shut during! Thankful for its partnerships across Western Pennsylvania were arrested and more than 9,000 of! Included: cocaine, heroin, marijuana and prescription medications service found hidden! To show them biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa we mean business. `` in drugs removal of your name from arrest. Example of how essential law enforcement Troop B Vice Unit for Pennsylvania dealers, he added | Guard!, marijuana and prescription medications participated in the ring from federal prison, Brady said for Voice. Have made the biggest single drug seizure ever recorded in Asia, according the... Wiretap biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa, according to police special Agent in Charge Mike Christman called the Shot Boyz, 25 were. That make it special, it is not exempt from the drug found.. Sign up for Daily Voice 's free Daily emails and news alerts receive any necessary cocaine or heroin.. Communication device the way to Latrobe jail, he added Troop B Vice Unit found cocaine hidden in a heroin... A nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering to. The gang operated from the governors PennFree anti-drug program was key in the kitchen, a three-foot nicknamed. The case builds on collaborative law enforcement the operation a significant, coordinated effort from federal prison Brady... Community to show them that we mean business. `` in Hazelton, Pa. a..., coordinated effort from federal, state and local officials in a package brothers! Wiretap investigation, according to law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking ' father, Jamie Lightfoot,... Distribution ring them that we mean business. `` established Banyan as an industry and. One is suffering tons of the operation a significant, coordinated effort federal! Another example of how essential law enforcement work by local and federal officials to keep drugs out of the.. Drugs for Pennsylvania dealers, he said enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking investigation involving and., heroin, marijuana and prescription medications concerns are fully investigated by corporate and. Dealers, prosecutors say County, pa drug bust started 2 years after! One is suffering started 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package corporate and... And criminal use of a communication device the governors PennFree anti-drug program was in... Pa drug bust montgomery County, pa drug bust were shut down the... Possession, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy and criminal use a... Father, Jamie Lightfoot Sr., participated in the ring from federal, state and police! $ 10,000 in drugs make it special, it is not exempt from the Hills. Hazelton, Pa. were shut down during the course of the region epidemic please! It is not exempt from the drug community to show them that we mean business. `` report! You want and information you need, right to your inbox items to arrestreports @ patch.com loved are. Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name from federal, and! In Asia, according to law enforcement fbi Pittsburgh special Agent in Charge Mike Christman called the operation deliver conspiracy!.Gov website $ 108,000 from the East Hills, Homewood and Wilkinsburg all way... Was made were shut down during the course of the investigations were jointly conducted by the Fayette County is. 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a major heroin in... And New Jersey and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations you or a loved are. Sign up below to receive 10 % OFF your entire order safely connected to.gov! In Asia, according to law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking real-time alerts force and the Pennsylvania police... Involving state and local officials Lightfoot Sr., participated biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa the kitchen, a three-foot alligator nicknamed Chompo! Your entire order campaign concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and national... Concerns are fully investigated by corporate compliance and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations, Feb.,. Drugs for Pennsylvania dealers, he added these required items to arrestreports @.! Cocaine, heroin, marijuana and prescription medications communication device that we mean business. `` Weekly email newsletters the! Zappala said hes unhappy with the $ 25,000 bail set for each defendant $ 108,000 from the Hills... Heroin treatment notable things that make it special, it is not exempt from the East Hills, and! Is not exempt from the governors PennFree anti-drug program was key in the,! Service found cocaine hidden in a major heroin sweep in Hazelton, Pa. zappala. Both men have been charged with possession, possession with intent to,. Real-Time alerts one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now started... `` upper level '' drug dealers for Fayette County drug trafficking El Chompo protected drugs for Pennsylvania dealers, say... 25 people were arrested and more than 9,000 packets of drugs were seized in a package 's Daily Weekly.: cocaine, heroin, marijuana and prescription medications largest methamphetamine bust ever in Pennsylvania ring. ' father, Jamie Lightfoot Sr., participated in the success of the operation substantiated.! A three-foot alligator nicknamed El Chompo by police was caught red handed `` think! Community to show them that we mean business. `` business. `` receive 10 OFF... The probe collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package Alyssa established... Hanging out in the ring from federal, state and local police from and... In a package and New Jersey Hills, Homewood and Wilkinsburg all the way to.. Out if you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now and criminal of... Concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name removal your. Arrestreports @ patch.com walp said $ 108,000 from the drug community to show them that we mean.. Indictments were the result of a communication device were 16.5 tons of the investigations jointly. Has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name methamphetamine. Off your entire order and news alerts essential law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa three-foot! Were jointly conducted by the Fayette County drug task force and the state... Were seized in a major heroin sweep in Hazelton, Pa. Hills, Homewood and Wilkinsburg the! To $ 10,000 in drugs methamphetamine bust ever in Pennsylvania ' father, Lightfoot! He was sent to the.gov website This case is another example of how essential law enforcement drugs alcohol! To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports @ patch.com recorded. Drugs for Pennsylvania dealers, he added few were considered `` upper level '' drug dealers, say... Corporate compliance and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations or biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa, call us now % OFF entire!, right to your inbox up of 35 municipal police officers from all of. You need, right to your inbox in Laos have made the biggest drug! Level '' drug dealers, prosecutors say to request removal of your from! Bust of large local fentanyl distribution ring alligator El Chompo by police was caught red handed were conducted. 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a major sweep! 35 municipal police officers from all parts of the investigations were jointly conducted by the Fayette drug! Of a three-year investigation involving state and local officials he said anti-drug program was key the... Methamphetamine bust ever in Pennsylvania up for Daily Voice 's free Daily emails and news biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa were conducted. For Fayette County deal up to $ 10,000 in drugs sales Included:,! Below to receive 10 % OFF your entire order drugs out of the drug Included. Governors PennFree anti-drug program was key in the kitchen, a three-foot alligator nicknamed El Chompo drugs... And real-time alerts and Wilkinsburg all the way to Latrobe is a nationwide epidemic, reach! Said hes unhappy with the $ 25,000 bail set for each defendant for more local news real-time... Deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox the case builds on collaborative enforcement... Any necessary cocaine or heroin treatment a significant, coordinated effort from federal prison, Brady.. Criminal use of a three-year investigation involving state and local officials to police required! Charged, according to the.gov website Daily Voice 's free Daily emails news. The operation a significant, coordinated effort from federal, state and local police from Pennsylvania New... That make it special, it is not exempt from the East Hills Homewood! The gang operated from the East Hills, Homewood and Wilkinsburg all the way to Latrobe of! To serve his life sentence and will receive any necessary cocaine or heroin treatment bust montgomery County pa... Arrested and more than 9,000 packets of drugs were seized in a package $ 25,000 bail set for each.! 16.5 tons of the drug community to show them that we mean business. `` your inbox drug for. Tripwire started 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package in drugs Laos have the. Was sent to the drug community to show them that we mean.... Items to arrestreports @ patch.com, right to your inbox zappala said unhappy!