Philly-Based Cocaine And Crack Ring Broken Up: PA Attorney General

PHILADELPHIA — State authorities broke up what they described as a high-level cocaine/crack cocaine trafficking organization that was largely headquartered in North Philadelphia.

Authorities Friday announced charges against numerous individuals, along with seizures this week of drugs and firearms connected to the organization.

Among those charged are Jimme Torres and his son, Matthew Torres.

Authorities said Jimme Torres was the organization's leader of the organization, and his son oversaw the enterprise when his father was at his home in Puerto Rico.

In total, 21 people from Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery counties were charged after the execution of numerous search warrants on cellphones, residences, and vehicles.

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.

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

Authorities said the firearms are tied to the criminal activities of this organization.

"A high-level, drug-trafficking organization in Philadelphia was crippled this week with arrests and seizures of narcotics and illegally-possessed firearms — the roundup a culmination of a long-term, sophisticated investigation," Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. "This highly-profitable criminal organization operated not unlike a factory assembly line with each member having their designated roles. This illegal trade was an all-hours operation with dealers on the street every day and night."

"This is a case study in how law enforcement collaboration should work," Philadelphia Police Department Deputy Commissioner James Kelly said.

"The takedown of the 5th and Cornwall Drug Trafficking Organization is proof that when we work together, we get the job done. Our residents deserve safe neighborhoods," Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal said. "Today, we showed that together, anything is possible when the goal is protecting and serving all our communities."

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.