Attorney General Michelle Henry along with the Pennsylvania State Police and New Jersey State Police have announced charges against 20 alleged cocaine traffickers who allegedly used firearms to protect their trafficking operation in the greater Philadelphia area.
Dozens of search warrants were issued primarily in the Philadelphia area and New Jersey earlier this month that led to the arrests of 17 individuals and yielded 20 firearms, 12.5 pounds of cocaine, $72,356 cash, and quantities of marijuana, fentanyl, promethazine with codeine, and MDMA, and drug paraphernalia. Three other people have warrants for their arrest.
The arrested individuals were charged with felony possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, and other offenses. Some were charged with illegal firearms possession for some of the defendants.
They include Anthony “Bang” Blake, the alleged head of the operation, who was arraigned on nine felonies, including drug and firearms offenses and corrupt organizations. His bail was set at $500,000.
“The charges announced today send a clear message to drug trafficking organizations that you are not welcome in Pennsylvania,” Col. Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police commissioner, said. “This collaboration demonstrates an unwavering commitment to purge our communities of your corruption and violence and seek justice for the lives you destroy through addiction and death.”
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section will prosecute the case.