28 Arrested In Massive Norristown Crack And Cocaine Gang Bust: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — A massive cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring based in Norristown has been dismantled, leading to charges against 35 suspects and the arrest of 28, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office announced.

One of the involved suspects described Norristown, in a recorded conversation, as an "(expletive) gold mine...a crack and coke mine," police said.

Authorities said their investigation, which began in late 2024, tracked the decline of opioids and fentanyl over the past year. This decline led to lower prices of wholesale crack and cocaine, and a huge increase in sales of those drugs, the DA's office said.

This made large quantities of the drug more accessible to bulk traffickers, mid-level suppliers, and street-level dealers, and Norristown dealers took advantage of it.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said the case showed how "drug traffickers adapt as their profits dictate, but without consideration for the devastation their products cause."

The 35 individuals charged were involved an in "intertwined network" who brought shipments of the drugs into the local area, according to officials.

Police used electronic surveillance, several undercover informants, controlled drug buys, and GPS tracking of suspects to connect the dots.

The investigation led to the seizure of seven pounds of crack and crack cocaine, $138,000 in cash, and 17 firearms, police said.

“The arrests of these cocaine and crack drug traffickers, sub-dealers and street-level
dealers will make a positive impact on the lives of law-abiding citizens in Norristown,” DA
Kevin Steele said in a statement.

The leaders of the organization have been identified as Terrell Bailey, 50, Jerome Berry, 32, Oscar Gordon, 37, and Donta Wells, 40, all of Norristown, police said. Philadelphia man Malik Noel, 49, was also a leader, according to officials.

Charges against arrested individuals vary and include corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and possession to deliver.

Arrest warrants have also been issued for seven individuals still wanted: Denise Baird, Darnell Cotton, Tyya Griffin, Tyleek Lee, Michael Taylor, Curtis Thomas, and Cori Wagner.