Drug, Gun Trafficking Group In Philly Broken Up, 12 Charged

PHILADELPHIA — Federal authorities Thursday announced a dozen member of a Philadelphia drug trafficking ring were indicted on drug and gun charges.

United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero said a drug trafficking organization led by Wilfredo Avila sold significant quantities of packaged fentanyl, fentanyl pills, and cocaine in and around the Fairhill-Kensington area.

Additionally, the group is accused of routinely offering and selling firearms of all kinds to its drug dealer customers.

Ten people who authorities allege were in the group have been arrested. One other awaits removal from another state, and the 12th, Ahmed Perez, remains at large, authorities said.

Perez is 28 years old and 5 feet 4 inches tall.

Anyone with information on his location is asked to call 1-888-283-8477 or 911.

The group operated from February 2023 through June this year, authorities said.

If convicted, they face maximum possible sentences ranging from five years to lifetime imprisonment.

Below are those charged in the indictment and their charges:

Wilfredo Avila, 30

• Attempt and conspiracy (1 count)
• Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud U.S. (1 count)
• Manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess a controlled substance (25 counts)
• Unlawfully engaging in the business of firearms (1 count)
• Unlawful shipment, transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm by a felon (16 counts)
• Trafficking in firearms (1 count)

Chanel Diaz Oscar, 48

• Attempt and conspiracy (1 count)
• Manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess a controlled substance (9 counts)

Zaida Diaz, 59

• Attempt and conspiracy (1 count)
• Manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess a controlled substance (3 counts)

Marcelino Minaya Lebron, 44

• Attempt and conspiracy (1 count)

Noel Arce, 26

• Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud U.S. (1 count)
• Unlawfully engaging in the business of firearms (1 count)
• Unlawful shipment, transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm by a felon (3 counts)

Abdul Ortiz, 37

• Manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess a controlled substance (2 counts)

Ahmed Perez, 28

• Manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess a controlled substance (1 count)

Juan Acosta, 55

• Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud U.S. (1 count)
• Unlawfully engaging in the business of firearms (1 count)
• Unlawful shipment, transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm by a felon (2 counts)
• Trafficking in firearms (1 count)

Angel Colon, 35

• Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud U.S. (1 count)
• Unlawfully engaging in the business of firearms (1 count)
• Unlawful shipment, transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm by a felon (1 count)
• Trafficking in firearms (1 count)

Alexander Roman Delgado, 33

• Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud U.S. (1 count)
• Unlawful shipment, transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm by a felon (1 count)
• Trafficking in firearms (1 count)

Angel Velez, 33

• Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud U.S. (1 count)
• Unlawful shipment, transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm by a felon (1 count)

Jose Rodriguez, 30

• Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud U.S. (1 count)