A high-level cocaine trafficking organization has been dismantled after a sweeping investigation in eastern Pennsylvania, Attorney General Dave Sunday stated on Saturday, September 6.
According to the announcement, investigators have charged 21 people in connection with the Jimmie Torres-led enterprise, which allegedly operated mostly in North Philadelphia but also in Bucks and Montgomery counties.
Torres and his son, Matthew Torres, who managed the enterprise while his father was in Puerto Rico, were among those arrested. Authorities arrested 16 people in the Philadelphia area on Thursday, with bail ranging from $1 million to $5 million.
Investigators confiscated 12 kilograms of cocaine, 50 pounds of marijuana, and \$275,000 in suspected narcotics revenues. They also seized 19 guns, several of which were reportedly illegally owned by convicted offenders.
Attorney General Sunday described the enterprise as “not unlike a factory assembly line,” with each member assigned a specific duty. This unlawful commerce was a 24-hour operation, with dealers on the street every day and night.”
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn described the arrests as the result of “collaborative efforts of law enforcement,” while Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele stated that the bust sends a “strong message to drug traffickers that they cannot peddle their poisons in our communities.”
Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner James Kelly described the case as “a study in how law enforcement collaboration should work.” Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal stated that the dismantling of the 5th and Cornwall Drug Trafficking Organization demonstrates that “our residents deserve safe neighborhoods.”
In addition to Jimmie and Matthew Torres, Johnny Bartolomey, Tomas Montanez, Nestor Diaz, Hector Diaz, Rolando Ortiz, Angel Pizarro, Steven Andino, Ruth Andino, Jose Ramos, Iris Inostroza-Torres, Kevin Cade, Miguel Ramirez, Hector Tanon, Raphael Castro, and Joshua DeJesus have all been charged.
Deputy Attorney General Catherine Pirolli has charged Miguel Nazario, Myron Booker, Javier Rodriguez, and John Cade, but they are not currently in custody.
The Bucks and Montgomery County District Attorneys’ Offices, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, the DEA, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and other Pennsylvania and New Jersey agencies also assisted with the investigation.
Deputy Attorney General Catherine Pirolli will pursue the cases. Until proven guilty in court, all accused remain innocent.
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