2 Men Nabbed In Massive Pittsburgh Drug Bust

PITTSBURGH, PA — Two men are facing multiple charges after authorities seized about 180 pounds of cocaine as part of an ongoing large-scale drug trafficking investigation in the Pittsburgh area.

Darnell Rhinehart and Lamar Lewis were arrested Monday night. Both were charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

On Monday afternoon, investigators tracked Rhinehart to an address and observed him on video surveillance meeting a tractor trailer. Rhinehart was observed loading multiple brown cardboard boxes from the truck into the bed of his vehicle and then quickly leaving.

Investigators tracked Rhinehart to a Pittsburgh bar several hours later. Lewis drove to this same bar, and investigators observed him park a pickup truck near Rhinehart’s vehicle. Investigators watched Lewis walk over to Rhinehart’s vehicle and remove four brown cardboard boxes that he loaded into the pickup. Lewis placed what appeared to be a heavy bag into Rhinehart’s vehicle before driving away.

Later that evening, investigator stopped Lewis’ vehicle. They found 40 kilograms of cocaine concealed in brown cardboard boxes in the bed of the pickup truck as well as a loaded 9MM semi-automatic pistol that was confirmed stolen. The drugs were field tested and tested positive for cocaine.

Meanwhile, Rinehart was observed at a residence where he picked up a red backpack before traveling to another Pittsburgh bar. He was seen walking into the bar with the bag and exiting without it. At this time, investigators arrested Rhinehart and discovered five kilos of cocaine in the backpack.

Investigators conducted searches at multiple locations associated with Rhinehart, finding 35 additional kilos of cocaine concealed in cardboard boxes in a detached garage as well as large sums of cash and a shotgun.

“Seizing 80 kilos of cocaine means taking away profits and the power that money can buy right out of the hands of international criminal organizations. Shipments like this represent money flowing right back to groups that rule through violence and fear,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec.

“Cocaine trafficking is not a victimless crime, and the FBI and our partners will use every tool at our disposal to keep ridding our communities of these deadly narcotics.”