HARRISBURG—Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of eight Philadelphia men for their roles in a drug trafficking operation.
“People have the right to feel safe in their homes and in the neighborhoods where they live and work – and gun and drug traffickers erode that basic right. Ghost guns are quickly becoming the weapon of choice for criminals and fueling the gun violence epidemic,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “Thanks to the strong collaboration with our law enforcement partners, this poison is out of our neighborhoods and off our streets.”
On March 17, law enforcement officers from the Pennsylvania State Police, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Philadelphia Police Department executed search warrants for the homes, vehicles, and cell phones of the eight men suspected to be operating the drug trafficking operation.
During the search, Pennsylvania State Police Troopers discovered six firearms, including a 9mm Polymer80 ghost gun with an extended magazine loaded with ammunition. They also seized two kilograms of cocaine, 19 pounds of marijuana, 20 Suboxone strips, 480 grams of heroin, 429 Percocet pills, 54 individual doses of heroin, Endocet pills, and 4,000 Xanax pills. Paraphernalia related to manufacturing, packaging, and selling the seized drugs were also found during the search. Troopers also discovered over $74,000 in cash.
Those arrested today include: Joshua Jil, Jorge Luis Claudio, Sr., Jorge Luis Claudio, Angel Luis Claudio, Jose Claudio, Pedro DeJesus, Angel Claudio, Sr., and Jose Rondon.
The defendants are being charged with Possession With Intent to Deliver, Persons Not To Possess Firearms, Corrupt Organizations, and related charges. The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Karin Judge. All charges are accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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