AG Shapiro: Drug Trafficking Ringleader Arrested in Pittsburgh

January 29, 2021 | Topic: Criminal

HARRISBURG—Attorney General Josh Shapiro tonight announced the arrest of a Pittsburgh man who acted as the ringleader of a gun and drug trafficking organization. The charges are the result of a 10-month investigation by OAG agents. The investigation was conducted in partnership with the New Brighton Police Department and the City of Pittsburgh Police Department.

“Dennis Alexander made a profit selling guns to criminals and poison to our communities,” said AG Shapiro. “Stopping Alexander and his trafficking ring is another battle won against the opioid and gun violence epidemics ravaging Pennsylvania communities. We could not have shut down this drug operation without the diligent work of our agents and law enforcement partners who work on the frontlines to protect Pennsylvania communities.”

Dennis Alexander, 28, orchestrated ordering and distributing substances including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and Oxycodone, as well as stolen firearms to interested buyers. Alexander would then direct “runners” to meet clients in parking lots or at the runner’s home. During an undercover investigation, one associate of Alexander’s threatened the undercover agent, saying, “this is my house–if the feds hit it, I know it was you.”

A search warrant was conducted on January 21, 2021, where cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, Oxycodone, crystal methamphetamine, Xanax, and a stolen firearm were located.

Alexander has two prior felony drug convictions in Pennsylvania, dating back to July 2016 and February 2017. He will be charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Sale or Transfer of Firearms, and related charges.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Kara Cotter. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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