Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against 20 alleged drug traffickers operating in the Philadelphia area, as well as the seizure of 20 firearms and 12.5 pounds of cocaine.
Among those arrested was Anthony “Bang” Blake, 45, the alleged head of the operation, according to a press release from Henry’s office. He is charged with nine felonies, including corrupt organizations, drug and firearms offenses, and remains in custody in Philadelphia in lieu of 10% of $500,000 bail.
The Delaware County Drug Task Force assisted with some of the dozens of warrants served this month in the Philadelphia area and New Jersey. Also seized as part of those efforts was $72,356 in cash, quantities of fentanyl, MDMA, promethazine with codeine, marijuana and paraphernalia.
Law enforcement took 17 defendants into custody and three others have warrants for their arrest. All are charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and conspiracy. Some defendants are additionally charged with firearms offenses.
“The charges announced today send a clear message to drug trafficking organizations that you are not welcome in Pennsylvania,” said Col. Christopher Paris, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “This collaboration demonstrates an unwavering commitment to purge our communities of your corruption and violence and seek justice for the lives you destroy through addiction and death.”
Arrested during the operation were Blake, Kenneth McCall, Tyrone Hayward, Shawn Sanford, Zamir Allen, Irvin Sanders, Clifford Nixon, Ramses Rodriguez, Anthony Brown, Monica Cleveland, Amber Tressler, Carlos Alvelo, Norberto Toldeo, Christopher Ramos, Jerime Jones and Jillian Carrington.
Khalil Rippy, Terrell Brice, and Jonathan Cruz are being sought. There were no details provided about where any of them were from.
The case will be prosecuted in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court by the Office of Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section.
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