PHILADELPHIA, PA – Charges were announced this week against seven individuals, following a substantial multi-agency investigation into a Philadelphia drug-trafficking operation involving various narcotics and firearms.
The collaboration involved the Pennsylvania State Police, the Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations and Drug Control, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Philadelphia Police Department.
Elijah Sharpe, 23, and Cristopher Rios De Jesus, 30, believed to be leading the organization, were charged with multiple counts including possession with intent to deliver and criminal conspiracy. Suppliers Luis Vicente Arzeno and Julio Valdez-Pimentel, along with street dealers Frank Myers, Josue Vazquez Martinez, and Michael Rodriguez Ojeda, also face multiple charges. All defendants were arraigned on Thursday.
The police recovered approximately 7.1 kilograms of xylazine, 688 grams of heroin, 398 grams of fentanyl, 326 grams of cocaine, 106 grams of methamphetamine, 45 grams of crack-cocaine, and other narcotics through searches at residences and vehicles.
Officials from involved agencies commended the collaborative efforts and highlighted the importance of shutting down such operations to safeguard the community and potentially save lives.