Summary
Federal authorities charged 33 people with drug trafficking in Philadelphia. They allegedly distributed fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the Kensington neighborhood, known for drug activities. Authorities arrested most of the suspects and worked with U.S. and local officials to carry out this operation.
Key Facts
- The Department of Justice charged 33 alleged members of a drug trafficking group in Philadelphia with a 41-count indictment.
- The group is accused of distributing fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine.
- The arrests took place mainly in the Kensington area, identified as a significant location for drug trade.
- Federal, state, and local authorities conducted a joint investigation leading to the arrests.
- President Trump has focused on combating the opioid crisis, with recent crackdowns on drug trafficking.
- In Philadelphia, drug overdose deaths have decreased from 1,310 in 2023 to 1,045 in 2024 as reported by local health departments.
- The alleged leaders of the group include Jose Antonio Morales Nieves and Ramon Roman-Montanez, both managing operations on Weymouth Street.
- The indictment is the largest federal case of its kind prosecuted by the district this century.
