In a coordinated effort by state and federal authorities, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the dismantling of a major cocaine trafficking operation based in Philadelphia that spanned across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The bust, which took place earlier this month, resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals, including the alleged leader of the ring, Anthony “Bang” Blake, who faces multiple felony charges.
Authorities executed a series of search warrants across the Philadelphia area and New Jersey, uncovering 12.5 pounds of cocaine, 20 firearms, cash, and various other drugs including fentanyl, MDMA, and marijuana. The arrests also led to the seizure of $72,356 in cash, which authorities say was proceeds from the drug trafficking operation.
“This operation has taken down a large-scale network of traffickers, with Mr. Blake allegedly at the helm,” said Attorney General Henry. “The charges against these individuals reflect not only their involvement in the distribution of dangerous drugs, but their use of firearms to protect their illicit trade. Thanks to the incredible collaboration between law enforcement, nearly two dozen traffickers are now off the streets of Philadelphia.”
Blake, 45, was arraigned on nine felony counts, including charges of corrupt organizations, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. He is being held on a $500,000 bail.
Alongside Blake, 17 other individuals were arrested in recent days, while three additional suspects — Khalil Rippy, Terrell Brice, and Jonathan Cruz — remain at large with warrants issued for their arrest. The full list of those arrested includes Kenneth McCall, Tyrone Hayward, Shawn Sanford, Zamir Allen, and Irvin Sanders, among others. Several of the accused face charges ranging from felony possession with intent to deliver to illegal firearms possession.
The Pennsylvania State Police played a key role in the operation, which was also supported by the New Jersey State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and local task forces.
“We are committed to purging our communities of drugs and violence,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “These arrests should serve as a warning to other trafficking organizations: drug dealers are not welcome here, and we will use every resource at our disposal to stop you.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the operation was a testament to the power of cross-state law enforcement cooperation in tackling drug trafficking and protecting local communities.
The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section. All 20 suspects are charged with conspiracy and other offenses, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The dismantling of this drug network is seen as a significant victory in the ongoing battle against illegal narcotics in the region. However, law enforcement officials stress that the work is far from over.
“We are not stopping here,” said AG Henry. “We will continue working together to dismantle drug operations and protect our communities from the destruction caused by addiction and violence.”
