to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Two are in state prisons in Graterford and Camp Hill. Twitter. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala speaks at a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. Jermaine Clark and Terry Suggs Jr. were booked into Allegheny County Jail on drug and conspiracy charges. In October 1989, two labs, 30 pounds of speed and a half pound of cocaine were seized. Alyssa who is the National Director of Digital Marketing, joined the Banyan team in 2016, bringing her five-plus years of experience. Please enter valid email address to continue. She admitted they may not all be apprehended in one day or two days. 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. Sign up below to receive 10% OFF your entire order! "By taking down an entire multistate organization at once, the impact on our region is felt immediately," Brady said. 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. Vernon said she couldn't anticipate when the remaining individuals would be apprehended. ", "The function of the Postal Service is to deliver the nations mail, not transport illegal drugs into our community for drug traffickers. You can now customize your WPXI News App to receive Allegheny County news alerts. Brian Brooms, Melvin Earl Campbell, Xavier Edward Thomas, Charles Richard Opel, Shannon Angel Stallard, James T. Michaux, Christie Verney, William Lee Friend, Charles Opel, Charles Smith, Donald Ohler, Donald "Junior" Henry, Mark Bell Jr., Melissa Faidley, Jason Motycka, Thomas Eperesi, Ronald Seiko, Lori Newman, Kara Lanphear. Police found 1,800kg (283 stone) of what is known locally as. 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. These guys are of great interest to the federal government, Zappala said. 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. 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 . Twelve people have been indicted on charges of importing 7.5 tons of cocaine from Colombia and laundering more than $25 million since 1980, Federal authorities announced today. 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. If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now! Facebook. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. 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. Heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl were seized along with guns and money during the operation. Those arrested were transported to the Fayette County Prison by the Fayette County Sheriff's office. Brady said agencies are seeing the drugs come into the area from places like Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown as well as drug cartels in Mexico such as the Sinaloa Cartel. Let's Find Out, PA County Wants To Make Its Own Gun Laws After Recent Court Defeat. This may be the biggest meth bust in American. It is organized by the Fayette County District Attorney's Office. These guys are players.. 11, according to the release and court records. You cant enter the war on drugs with nickels and dimes, he said. 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. Eight pounds of speed was seized from the Montgomery lab, Fountain said. Kressmore J. Watson, 33, of Los Angeles, CA. 700 Grant Street, Suite 4000 The brothers' father, Jamie Lightfoot Sr., participated in the ring from federal prison, Brady said. And you will go to jail, he said. 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. Later searches of the homes and vehicles of others involved in the ring turned up more drugs, 11 firearms and more than $1 million in cash. The Shot Boyz street gang and its associates flooded our streets with narcotics with no regard for human life, Christman said. U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said drug trafficking is not a non-violent crime. 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. romanov fortune in swiss banks. PITTSBURGH, PA - Two Philadelphia men have been arrested in a massive drug bust in which $10 million in cocaine was seized. The meth was still hot, Fountain said. Another lab was raided in January 1990. About $90,000 worth of stock is also subject to forfeiture. Allegheny County District Attorneys Office. 0 . 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. "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. 1 Zappala said the case builds on collaborative law enforcement work by local and federal officials to keep drugs out of the region. 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. Police arrested Allan Burnheimer, a 34-year-old from Blacklick, and charged Burnheimer with possession with intent to distribute, and other felonies. It had just been cooked.. "This case is another example of how essential law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking. 950 N Federal Highway In between, Pennsylvania boasts vast areas of forest for which it got its name. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. They were for street- to mid-level drug dealers, he added. Unfortunately, this scheme has gone on for quite some time, Zappala said. "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. Ronald Haggerty Jr., of the Connellsville City Police Department, said the 45 of the approximately 70 individuals had been apprehended. 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. sinastria di coppia karmica calcolo; quincy homeless shelter; plastic bags for cleaning oven racks; claudia procula death; farm jobs in vermont with housing Johnstown, PA 15901, Pittsburgh:412-644-3500 These drugs then ended up on the streets of Pittsburgh. Fax:412-644-4549, Johnstown:814-533-4547 Hanging out in the kitchen, a three-foot alligator nicknamed El Chompo by police was caught red handed. SHARE. Such hiding techniques demonstrate a sophisticated type of organization, Zappala said. 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. Investigators say the operation is one of the largest ever undertaken in western Pennsylvania. 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? This investigation and prosecution relied on critical partnerships and resources, made available by the Office of National Drug Control Policys designation of Allegheny County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) on September 24, 2018. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The investigation began in the winter of 1988 with a street-level buy by a Philadelphia police officer, the state police said. (Cox Media Group/Cox Media Group). Operation Tripwire started 2 years ago after the postal service found cocaine hidden in a package. PITTSBURGH, PA - Two Philadelphia men have been arrested in a massive drug bust in which $10 million in cocaine was seized. There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in . 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. At least 29 people were arrested in a roundup that started at 6 a.m. Suite 115 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. A 26th person, Keith Redman, was also charged with one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition. "I think it sends a message to the drug community to show them that we mean business.". 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. According to the district attorneys office, it is believed the pair have spent the past two years transporting hundreds of kilograms of cocaine to communities in Allegheny County. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - More than two dozen people have been indicted for their alleged links to an international drug ring in Pittsburgh. It was used to buy drugs and relocate and protect witnesses. "We work every day to stop those who bring dangerous drugs and guns into our neighborhoods. A drug bust in South Coatesville, Pennsylvania revealed a large stash of crack cocaine, heroin, cash, and one guard gator. 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. Police also seized a kilogram of heroin, 85 pounds of marijuana, an AK-47 rifle and a handgun, Brady said. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Statistics and Facts About Binge Eating Disorder, Almond Mom Yolanda Hadid Fuels Diet Culture. A subsequent search of Burnheimer's home found $70,000 inside and Burnheimer admitted to police he had used drug money to buy the home. Have a question about Government Services? The cocaine ring was. He noted that many drug users are now overdosing on deadly combinations of cocaine and fentanyl. She described the indictments as the largest methamphetamine bust in state history. 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. Were committed to the Mon Valley and to the eastern sections of Allegheny County, Zappala said. 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. "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. "There are no boundaries in law enforcement in Fayette County today," said county District Attorney Nancy Vernon. An official website of the United States government. According to Trooper Brian Burden, state police at Uniontown information officer, the warrants were issued for those involved in the sale of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana or prescription medications. The arrests include Lawrence Pirollo of Philadelphia and John Gatto of Somerdale, N.J., identified by federal investigators as top managers of the ring. You will be arrested. FBI, Pittsburgh police announce bust of large local fentanyl distribution ring. Taken into custody in North Braddock Monday were Jermaine Clark. Following is a list of Fayette County residents who were issued warrants: Shelby Feniello, Caleb Langgle, James Cunningham, Mark Tressler, Francis Straughters, Gary Lewellen, Bart Yagla, Fred "Tony" Simon, Scott Lazar, Dale Gould, Jane Gould, Joseph Sherwood, Melissa Hall, Duane Brown, Andreas Key, Stanford Russell, Antwaun Bush, Dontay Stokes, Keith Thomas, Tyrone Brown, Dennis Stewart, Jamie Carraway, Michael Speddon, Thomas Teets, Joshua Snyder, Tabitha Steindl, Jeremy Showman. Attorney General James Busts Two Major Drug Trafficking Rings in Central New York 78 Individuals Indicted for Trafficking Cocaine, Heroin, and Fentanyl Throughout NYS; Illegal Possession of Firearms, Including Untraceable Ghost Guns AG James Has Taken More Than 1,400 Guns Off NYS's Streets Since 2019 "(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. Official websites use .gov One of the largest drug busts in the history of Pennsylvania was announced by Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Thursday. montgomery county, pa drug bust montgomery county, pa drug bust. 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. 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. It. All the people indicted are from Philadelphia or New Jersey except one man from Florida. Robert P. Casey, who attended the news conference. In October 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced one of the largest drug busts in history. The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . To report drug traffickers abusing the mail, or to report other crimes involving postal employees, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.". 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. The arrests send a message to drug dealers in Pennsylvania, said Gov. [4] Contents 1 Testimony 2 Verdict 2.1 Suspensions 3 Aftermath 4 See also 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External links Testimony [ edit] 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. Erie, PA 16501, 319 Washington Street,Suite 200 Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. "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. biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa. tex watson children; biggest drug bust in pittsburgh pa. May 24, 2022. "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. The drug sales Included: cocaine, heroin, marijuana and prescription medications. Most of the dealers are street- to mid-level with a few that are upper-level for the Fayette County area. A notorious drug dealer who got his start during the crack epidemic of the 1980s and was so good at hiding his whereabouts that he was known as "the ghost" has been arrested along with dozens of . I hope things like this dont happen on a regular basis.. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Taylor has been charged with 10 felonies and five misdemeanors in connection with this investigation, court records show. Through strategic marketing campaign concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name. The DEA is thankful for its partnerships across Western Pennsylvania. Another lab was in Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County. Or https: // means youve safely connected to the Mon Valley and to the drug community show. 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