Massive Drug and Gun Trafficking Ring Busted in Philadelphia Kensington-Find Out Details

Law enforcement officials in Philadelphia announced Thursday the takedown of a major drug and firearms trafficking organization operating out of the city’s notorious Kensington neighborhood. Dubbed “Operation North Philly Peace”, the months-long investigation resulted in charges against 12 people for running an extensive criminal enterprise centered around the sale of dangerous narcotics and illegal firearms. In this article we talk about Massive Drug and Gun Trafficking Ring Busted in Philadelphia Kensington.

Details of the Investigation and Seizures

According to United States Attorney Jacqueline Romero, the organization was headed by 30-year-old Wilfredo Avila and conducted its illicit operations mainly from properties located along the 2900 block of Lawrence Street, the 3300 block of North American Street, and other areas in the Harrowgate section of Kensington. Over the course of the probe, officials seized over 50 guns including ghost guns, assault rifles, and stolen firearms, as well as two kilograms of cocaine and 19,000 packets of suspected fentanyl.

Statement from Authorities

Romero stated that through the dismantling of this trafficking ring, which had been active since at least February 2023, authorities hoped to send a clear message to other drug and gun dealers that “you’re next.” She reiterated the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to tackling the deadly epidemic of narcotics and gun violence plaguing many Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Key Arrests and Charges

Among those arrested were 10 people believed to be key players within the organization:

• Wilfredo Avila, 30, alleged ringleader
• Chanel Diaz Oscar, 48
• Zaisa Diaz, 59
• Marcelino Minaya Lebron, 44
• Noel Arce, 26
• Abdul Ortiz, 37
• Juan Acosta, 55
• Angel Colon, 35
• Alexander Roman Delgado, 33
• Jose Rodriguez, 30

Vélez, 33, is currently in custody awaiting transfer while 28-year-old Pérez has still not been apprehended. In total, 84 separate charges were brought against the 12 defendants including counts of conspiracy, narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking, and related offenses.

Extensive Law Enforcement Cooperation

The exhaustive probe involved cooperation between agencies at the local, state, and federal levels including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF, Philadelphia Police Department, and other law enforcement entities. Over 14 residential and business locations across Kensington believed to have been utilized by Avila’s outfit were searched as part of the operation.

Efforts to Restore Order in Kensington

Authorities have been ramping up efforts to restore order to the long-troubled Kensington area, setting up an 11 p.m. curfew for businesses not licensed for 24-hour operation and recently launching the second phase of a neighborhood improvement plan. The latest action deals a major blow to the rampant underground economy and related disorder plaguing the community.

By dismantling this extensive drug and gun trafficking network, officials have taken dangerous criminals off the streets and seized huge caches of deadly narcotics and firearms. Residents hope this will lead to improved safety and quality of life as the recovery process moves forward in Kensington. Authorities affirm they will continue efforts to target other dealers and criminal groups wreaking havoc in the neighborhood. I sincerely hope you find this “Massive Drug and Gun Trafficking Ring Busted in Philadelphia Kensington-Find Out Details” article helpful.