Statewide Fentanyl-Trafficking Ring Taken Down In Philadelphia; 2.5M Doses Seized: AG

PHILADELPHIA — Three people were arrested and over 2.5 million doses of fentanyl were seized in the takedown of an "upper-level" drug-trafficking ring based in Northeast Philadelphia, authorities announced Friday.

Law enforcement executed several search warrants at homes on Wellington and Montague streets this week, interrupting a fentanyl-packaging operation at the Wellington Street home, according to the state Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

The suspects — Johan Manuel Almonte-Ortiz, Argedys Noel De La Cruz Jerez and Domingo Cedeno-Pimentel — were charged with felony drug trafficking, conspiracy and related offenses.

"This statewide trafficking pipeline that carried fentanyl in and around Philadelphia and to the western part of the Commonwealth is now closed," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.

Nearly 100,000 packs of fentanyl — ready for street sales — were seized at the Wellington Street home, authorities said. Law enforcement also found nearly 3 kilograms of bulk fentanyl, according to the OAG.

Almost 7 kilograms of fentanyl were seized during the investigation, the OAG said.

Several law-enforcement agencies help investigate and make arrests, including Philadelphia Police, State Police the FBI and and Homeland Security Investigations.

The suspects don't have any listed attorneys in online court records for Patch to contact as of this writing.

The investigation is ongoing.