Philadelphia, PA: On Friday, federal and local law enforcement agencies carried out a significant operation aimed at alleged members of a violent drug trafficking organization in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, as stated by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office.
This coordinated initiative involved several agencies and sought to dismantle a network believed to be responsible for extensive violence and drug distribution in one of the city’s most affected areas.
On Friday, federal and local law enforcement agencies carried out a significant operation aimed at alleged members of a violent drug trafficking organization in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, as stated by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office.
This coordinated initiative involved several agencies and sought to dismantle a network believed to be responsible for extensive violence and drug distribution in one of the city’s most affected areas.
During a press conference on Friday afternoon, U.S. Attorney David Metcalf disclosed a 41-count indictment aimed at the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO). This group is accused of distributing fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine throughout various blocks in Kensington, particularly the infamous 3100 block of Weymouth Street. Allegedly, the organization maintained a 24/7 open-air drug market and resorted to violence—including shootings, assaults, and murder—to defend its territory and retaliate against competitors and informants.
“This indictment attacks the very heart of the opioid crisis in Kensington,” said Metcalf. “We are committed to returning these neighborhoods to their residents and reclaiming them from drug dealers who profit from the misery of others.”
The alleged ringleader, Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, 45, of Luquillo, Puerto Rico—known as “Flaco”—is accused of authorizing drug sales in exchange for “rent” and using threats and violence to maintain control. Two other alleged leaders, Ramon Roman-Montanez (“Viejo”), 40, and Nancy Rios-Valentin, 33, both of Philadelphia, are charged with managing drug shift schedules and overseeing proceeds.
Twenty-four defendants were arrested in coordinated operations Friday. Eight were already in custody, and one remains at large.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the scale of the operation: “Over 30 people have been charged for their alleged role in drug trafficking and dozens of other offenses. These individuals used violence to enforce their territory and sell drugs that poison our city streets.”
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel praised the multi-agency collaboration, calling it “One Philly in action”—a model of unified law enforcement demanded by Mayor Cherelle Parker. “This group pumped fentanyl into a community already hurting, and they used violence to protect their business,” Bethel said.
The Kensington region has historically been a key target for law enforcement because of its elevated levels of drug-related activities and associated violence. Authorities indicate that the operation conducted on Friday is a component of a larger plan to dismantle criminal organizations and enhance the living conditions for the community.
Information regarding arrests, charges, or confiscated assets has not been disclosed yet; however, officials highlighted that this operation represents a crucial advancement in the continuous fight against organized crime and aims to bring safety back to the impacted neighborhoods.
Authorities stressed that all charges are allegations and that each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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