$23M Worth Of Cocaine Seized In Major Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Bust: Authorities

Authorities in Pennsylvania this week busted a major drug trafficking organization which they believe was responsible for smuggling "large quantities" of cocaine into the Philadelphia region. Six people were charged, and more than 500 pounds of cocaine with a street value of $23 million was seized from vehicles and inside a Philadelphia warehouse.

According to investigators, the drug trafficking organization smuggled cocaine from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to domestic locations, including Philadelphia.

The following people have been charged with one count each of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and possession of a controlled substance:

• Francisco Severino-Ortega, 54, Washington Heights, New York
• Argenis Dioscoris Grullon, 37, Allentown
• Jose Morales, 53, Kissimmee, Florida
• Michael Perez, 24, Puerto Rico
• Juan Rojas, 32, Bronx, New York
• John Olmedo, 48, Philadelphia

According to investigators, Severino-Ortega, Rojas and Grullon were all arrested in the area of East Lehigh and Trenton avenues following two separate vehicle stops. The stops resulted in the seizure of approximately 40 kilograms of cocaine.

Investigators said they determined the seized cocaine had originated from an industrial warehouse, which was later located on West Cambria Street in Philadelphia. A search warrant was obtained, and investigators said they found an additional 192 kilograms of cocaine inside.

Approximately $77,000 in cash, a money counter and a heat sealer — a device commonly used by drug traffickers — was also seized.

The arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation conducted by the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Security Task Force, which included participation from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation.

Other agencies that were part of the investigation included U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and the Nether Providence Township Police Department.

Photos: From top right: Francisco Severino-Ortega; Juan Rojas; Jose Morales; John Olmedo; Argenis Dioscoris Grullon; Michael Perez.