Large-Scale Cocaine Trafficking Ring Operating In Montco Busted

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Authorities have busted a "high-level" cocaine/crack cocaine trafficking organization that was operating across the Philadelphia region, including in Montgomery and Bucks counties. Twenty-one people have been charged in connection to the trafficking organization.

Investigators seized 12 kilograms of cocaine from a North Philadelphia location. Additionally, 50 pounds of marijuana, about $275,000 in cash, and 19 firearms, some of which were possessed illegally due to prior felony convictions.

Of the 21 charges, 16 were arrested Thursday at various locations in the Philadelphia area. All have been arraigned — bail was set between $1 million and $5 million.

“It is through these joint operations that we send a strong message to drug traffickers that they cannot peddle their poisons in our communities — killing our loved ones and neighbors for profit," Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said.

Among those charged are Jimme Torres and his son, Matthew Torres. Authorities said Jimme Torres was the organization's leader, and his son oversaw the operation when his father was at home in Puerto Rico.

Others charged in the bust were 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.

Miguel Nazario, Myron Booker, Javier Rodriguez, and John Cade were charged but are not yet in custody.