PHILADELPHIA — A major fentanyl trafficking network operating out of North Philadelphia was dismantled this week in a joint law enforcement operation that led to the arrests of seven individuals and the seizure of more than $6 million worth of fentanyl and xylazine, officials announced.
Attorney General Dave Sunday, alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Philadelphia Police Department, said agents executed search warrants on the 2800 block of North Franklin Street, uncovering an active drug-packaging site. During the raid, suspects attempted to destroy evidence by dumping fentanyl into a sink, sending the substance airborne and exposing officers at the scene. Several were treated for ingestion and later released.
Authorities seized more than 41 pounds of fentanyl and xylazine — a powerful cutting agent — during the investigation. Officials estimate the haul represented hundreds of thousands of potentially fatal doses.
“We seized hundreds of thousands of potentially deadly doses, which were headed to communities across the Commonwealth,” said Attorney General Sunday. “I commend the officers who put themselves in harm’s way to stop this trafficking operation.”
Seven arrested and charged in multi-jurisdictional operation
Charged in the case are Francisco Quesada, 40; Juan Fransella, 36; Rony Molina-Rodriquez, 29; Alexander Rodriquez Crouset, 38; Victor Jose Herrera Castillo, 33; Alexi Queada Herrera, 44; and Juan Ortiz, 37. All face charges including corrupt organizations and possession with intent to deliver.
HSI Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens highlighted the scale of the bust and its impact, noting the lethal dose of fentanyl can be as small as two milligrams. “The number of lives we saved by seizing such a large quantity of deadly narcotics is astounding,” Owens said.
The operation was carried out with support from the Office of Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force, the Philadelphia Police Department’s intensive drug investigation squad, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel praised the officers’ swift action during the hazardous raid. “They acted decisively; protecting one another, safeguarding the community, and preventing hundreds of thousands of lethal doses from ever reaching our streets,” Bethel said.
The Office of Attorney General will prosecute the cases.