FBI, Philadelphia police announce gang, drug trafficking bust in Kensington
FBI, Philadelphia police hold gang, drug trafficking bust in Kensington
33 alleged members of the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization were charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and dozens of related offenses after an FBI raid occurred Friday morning.
PHILADELPHIA - Federal agents on Friday raided multiple properties in Philadelphia's embattled Kensington neighborhood as part of a massive FBI-lead drug trafficking bust.
The Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization is accused of peddling narcotics on "one of the most prolific drug blocks functioning as an open-air drug market."
Investigators say the group enforced their territory for nearly a decade through acts of violence, including murder.
What we know:
Federal agents and local law enforcement officers swarmed the area of Clearfield and F streets on Friday morning as part of a massive drug trafficking investigation.
FBI announces gang, drug trafficking takedown in Philadelphia
FBI Director Kash Patel was flanked by federal and local law enforcement officials Friday as he discussed a large-scale drug-ring takedown that involved indictments against 33 people.
The Kensington block is one place where investigators say the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization is accused of dealing dangerous narcotics.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf revealed that for nearly a decade, Weymouth DTO's army of alleged dealers peddled fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine and more.
FBI, Philadelphia police raid multiple properties in Kensington drug raid
Philadelphia police and the FBI conducted raids at multiple locations in Philadelphia Friday morning.
The 3100 block of Weymouth Street was described by investigators as "one of the most prolific drug blocks in the city, functioning as an open-air drug market."
The group's operation expanded from Weymouth Street to the areas of F and Clementine streets, E and Wishart streets, and the 3000 block of Potter Street.
Dig deeper:
Investigators allege that Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, 45, is the ringleader of the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization.
Investigators say Morales Nieves, a Puerto Rican native, allegedly authorized members to sell drugs on his block in exchange for a "rent."
It's believed that Morales Nieve would protect group members against rivals through violent acts carried out by either himself or his associates.
Ramon Roman-Montanez, 40, was also named by law enforcement as a high-ranking member of Weymouth DTO, in charge of street-level operations.
He allegedly oversaw organizing the drug shift schedule, including establishing roles and shifts for dealers, and was responsible for obtaining more drugs.
Nancy Rios-Valentin, also an accused leader of Weymouth DTO, is also accused of holding a similar role.
Attorney Metcalf revealed during a Friday afternoon press conference that 29 alleged members of the Weymouth DTO were taken into custody during the raids.
The operation also netted arrests in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Willmington, Delaware, and Millville, New Jersey.
What they're saying:
FBI Director Kash Patel applauded law enforcement's work to dismantle the massive drug trafficking ring.
"We have permanently removed a drug trafficking organization out of the streets of Philadelphia," Director Patel said.
Attorney Metcalf echoed the FBI Director's message, adding that the take down will "virtually eradicate a violent drug trafficking organization root and stem."
"We are just getting started here," Metcalf said. "I frequently get asked ‘what are you going to do about Kensignton?’ and today shows what we are going to do."