PITTSBURGH – Attorney General Dave Sunday was joined by law enforcement partners on Monday to share the results of a collaborative drugs and firearms suppression initiative focused in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh.
This months-long initiative has resulted in 45 arrests, the seizure of 54 illegally possessed firearms and nearly 2 million doses of fentanyl and heroin, along with seizures of other drugs, including cocaine.
“I often say that “big city problems” do not stay in the cities, and this initiative is evidence of that. When our partners noticed trends of violent crime and drug trafficking in their communities, we joined forces and got to work,” Attorney General Sunday said. “We understand that collaboration is key to fighting the scourge of drugs and illegal gun possession, and although we’re proud of this progress, we will continue to fight every single day.”
“This is a direct result of what happens when law enforcement in Pennsylvania work as one team with one mission, sharing intelligence, resources, and the same commitment to protecting our communities,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Drug trafficking fuels deadly violence. The FBI will stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners at all levels to make sure we save lives and make our neighborhoods safer every day.”
Several unrelated cases were involved in this initiative and have resulted in the seizure of:
- 1,684,625 doses of fentanyl
- 198,450 doses of heroin
- 5 kilos of cocaine
- 54 illegally possessed firearms
- $148,960 in cash
- Six full automatic conversion switches
Among the cases highlighted were:
- Robert Crowley and Kyree McCray, who were trafficking guns out of residents in Pittsburgh and Turtle Creek. McCray was also found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material.
- A trio out of Philadelphia, whose complex drug trafficking resulted in deliveries of fentanyl in Pittsburgh. Nearly 7 kilograms of fentanyl were seized in this investigation.
- Dale Jones, who was in possession of $35,400 of cocaine, $17,000 in cash and multiple firearms, despite not having a valid permit and having previous convictions for carrying a firearm without a license.
Several cases are a part of ongoing investigations.
These cases were investigated by the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Gun Violence Task Force, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Team, Allegheny County Police, Pittsburgh Police, Monroeville Police, Penn Hills Police, Allegheny County Housing Authority Police, Turtle Creek Police, Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. They will be prosecuted by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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