FBI Director Hails Takedown of Major Drug Trafficking Network in Philadelphia
TL/DR –
Thirty-three members of the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization, which allegedly controlled the street-level drug trade in Kensington, Philadelphia for nearly a decade, have been charged in a sweeping federal operation. The operation saw 24 defendants arrested during coordinated raids, eight already in custody, and one still at large, with firearms and narcotics reportedly recovered at stash locations. FBI Director Kash Patel hailed the collaboration between the FBI, local police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an example of how to reclaim neighborhoods from violent criminal groups.
FBI Director Kash Patel Heralds Takedown of Philadelphia Drug Ring
FBI Director Kash Patel praised a recent federal operation that targeted a notorious open-air drug market in Kensington, Philadelphia. Patel referred to the operation as the “safeguarding of American cities”.
Massive Indictment Against Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization
Federal prosecutors announced an historic indictment against 33 members of the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization. This group has allegedly controlled Kensington’s street-level drug trade for almost a decade. Out of the 33 indicted, 24 were arrested in coordinated raids, eight were already in custody, and one remains on the run.
Collaboration Between FBI, Police, and U.S. Attorney’s Office
Patel highlighted the successful cooperation between the FBI, Philadelphia Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. They all worked together to reclaim neighborhoods from violent criminal groups. The FBI Director expressed gratitude to his partners for their diligent work.
Over 30 individuals were charged for distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine in one of Philadelphia’s most notorious drug blocks. These members of a violent drug trafficking organization used violence to enforce their territory and sell harmful narcotics. The FBI is committed to ending drug trafficking and violence in our cities.
Patel emphasized that this operation is a prime example of how to protect American cities. He affirmed that Kensington is now free from this particular drug trafficking organization.
Details of the Operation
According to U.S. Attorney David Metcalf, the operation focused on a section of Kensington known for its intense drug activity. The indictment represents a large-scale drug-trafficking conspiracy that has been ongoing for nearly a decade.
Authorities reported that they seized firearms and significant amounts of narcotics during the operation. FBI Special Agent Wayne Jacobs noted the scale of the response involving nine tactical teams and hundreds of law enforcement officers.
The Weymouth Street drug organization has been flooding Kensington with drugs and terrorizing residents with horrific acts of violence. That ended today.
Philadelphia’s New Crime Strategy
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel described this case as part of a strategic shift in tackling open-air drug markets. He mentioned treating them as organized threats rather than isolated street crime.
We’re committed to removing people who terrorize our community. This is the model we plan to continue using.
The operation is connected to the PSN Recon initiative under Project Safe Neighborhoods. It combines federal, state, and local intelligence to target violent offenders, criminal organizations, and implements a block-by-block strategy.
DOJ’s Continuing Commitment
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reiterated the Department of Justice’s commitment:
Drug traffickers poisoning our communities and enforcing their territory through violence will face the full force of federal law. The Department of Justice will continue dismantling these criminal networks and restore safety to neighborhoods.
Patel ended the remarks by expressing gratitude to the prosecutors:
Brave prosecutors are needed to bring these cases. This is how we safeguard American lives. The streets belong to the residents, not the drug dealers.
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