Montgomery County Heroin Trafficking Ring Busted; 15 Arrested: AG

Fifteen suspected drug dealers have been arrested as part of a massive bust of a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring that operated in Montgomery County, authorities announced on Friday.

The drug ring operated across Philadelphia and Montgomery counties and expanded to Massachusetts, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office.

"These dealers trafficked heroin and cocaine across state lines – and sold their drugs in Philadelphia and Montgomery County," Shapiro said in a statement released on Friday. "Today we've shut this band of drug dealers down. We will remain vigilant and merciless towards anyone peddling these poisons in our communities."

The suspects transported and sold roughly four kilograms of heroin, with a street value of $700,000, and five kilograms of cocaine, with a street value of $500,000, across southeastern Pennsylvania, and Boston and Lawrence in Massachusetts.

Authorities busted the operation when they tracked one of the suspects, Alvin Henandez Almanzar, and bought 400 grams of heroin from him as part of a controlled buy, authorities said.

Law enforcement also busted Jose Calderon, of New York City, who was the supplier for the ring, officials said.

The following suspects were arrested:

• Julio "Papon" Rodrigues Martinez, Age Unknown, of Farnham Street, Lawrence, Massachusetts
• Chislaine "Chile" M. Herrera Romero, 31
• Alvin H. Almazar, 30, of Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia
• Jose J. Calderon, 32, of Seymour Avenue, Bronx, New York
• Shelton Speaks, 27, of Ditman Street, Philadelphia
• Heidy Rafelina Dejesus Grullon, Age Unknown
• Samuel E. Pacheco-Torres, 32, of Revere Street, Philadelphia
• Nakeshia Arnette, 37, of North Evans Street, Pottstown
• Jay Harris, 33, address undetermined
• Julio Angel Solis-Huertas, 34, of Minor Street, Philadelphia
• Gemena Cameal Gopie, 34, of Devereaux Avenue, Philadelphia
• Yixcerini Rodriguez, 33, of Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia
• Jennifer Solis, 32, of B Street, Philadelphia
• Bladimil Burgos-Ortiz, 41, of Revere Street, Philadelphia
• Ery H. Carrero-Sepulveda, 27, of B Street, Philadelphia

A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 3. The suspects are being held on $250,000 cash bail.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Georgia D. Barker will prosecute the case.

Images via PA Attorney General's Office