HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a collaborative enforcement action with Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Homeland Security resulting in several arrests and seizures of five kilograms of fentanyl, along with other drugs, firearms, and cash from Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhoods.
The Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, along with partner agencies, conducted searches at three Kensington area residences and vehicles on Feb. 1.
Six alleged traffickers, all from Philadelphia, were charged and arrested. They are: Jose Fernandez de La Cruz, 32; Jose Fernandez de La Cruz, 23; Anneury de La Cruz, 26; Jahmire Johnson, 18; Gianna Smith, 20; and Edward Murphy, 36.
All are charged with possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, and corrupt organizations, all felonies. Bail was set for each defendant between $100,000 and $750,000.
Months of investigation and collaboration with our partner agencies led to the arrests of upper-level traffickers and the removal of enough fentanyl to put millions of people at risk, Attorney General Henry said. My office remains committed to holding predatory dealers accountable for being just that, individuals selling deadly poisons without a concern for the human impact.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, one kilogram of fentanyl could potentially kill 500,000 people.
Search warrants were served at residences on Glenview Street, Tulip Street, and East Allegheny Avenue, as well as vehicles in the area.
Officials seized:
- 5,015 grams of fentanyl (packaged and bulk)
- 93 grams of crack cocaine
- 81 grams of marijuana
- 33 grams of methamphetamine
- 2 firearms
- $6,889 cash
The Office of Attorney General Drug Strike Force Section will prosecute the cases. All charges are accusations. The defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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