HARRISBURG, PA \u2014 The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced charges against three men accused of operating a large-scale fentanyl trafficking organization based in Northeast Philadelphia following a multi-agency investigation that allegedly uncovered millions of dollars\u2019 worth of narcotics.<\/p>\n
Attorney General Dave Sunday said investigators seized more than five kilograms of fentanyl this week from homes on Wellington Street and Montague Street.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, Johan Manuel Almonte-Ortiz, 26, Argedys Noel De La Cruz Jerez, 33, and Domingo Cedeno-Pimentel, 37, were charged with felony drug trafficking, conspiracy, and related offenses.<\/p>\n
Authorities alleged the arrests stemmed from a collaborative investigation involving the Office of Attorney General\u2019s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Philadelphia Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
Investigators said search warrants executed this week allegedly disrupted a fentanyl packaging operation inside a Wellington Street residence.<\/p>\n
According to authorities, investigators allegedly recovered nearly 100,000 packets of fentanyl prepared for street distribution, along with nearly three kilograms of bulk fentanyl.<\/p>\n
Police also alleged investigators seized more than 100 different stamps used to brand fentanyl packets for street sales.<\/p>\n
Authorities estimated the fentanyl seized during the investigation carried an approximate street value of $2 million.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, nearly seven kilograms of fentanyl were seized throughout the investigation, which authorities said remains ongoing.<\/p>\n
The charges were filed by the Office of Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<\/p>\n