Conshohocken Man Arrested in Drug Trafficking Sting

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman announced Wednesday that a Conshohcken man was one of 25 area residents arrested in a large-scale drug trafficking bust.

What started with an investigation into an alleged drug dealer in Norristown resulted in a bust that took down a major drug trafficking network based on Chain Street in Norristown, but reaching as far as New York and Canada, according to a release.

During the investigation, dubbed "Operation Chain-Link" for it's basis on Chain Street in Norristown, authorities seized over 4 kilos of cocaine, 92 pounds of marijuana, 53 cell phones, approximately $168,151.50 in cash, 8 digital scales, 9 firearms, a bullet-proof vest, various drug paraphernalia and prescription medication as well as a shrine to Jesus Malverde, the "Patron Saint of Drug Traffickers."

Twenty-five suspects were arrested in the sting. Victor Ascencion, a 24-year-old Conshohocken resident, was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and use of an illegal communication device.

According to the indictment, brothers James and John Gambone, of King of Prussia, allegedly financed at least a portion of the operation with over $50,000 in cash.

Ferman and authorities are also hoping that this investigation and the subsequent and arrests will shed led on another Norristown-based crime – the murder of Jesus "Jesse" Medrano in July of 2011. Medrano was gunned down in the 500 block of Haws Alley on July 11, 2011. Authorities believe his death may be connected to the drug trafficking conducted by Rodriguez-Cordero and his organization.

was credited for aiding in the investiagion, according to a release.

Authorities are asking anyone with information on this crime to contact Montgomery County Detectives at 610-278-3368, the Norristown Police Department at 610-270-0977. Spanish speakers can call 610-960-3434.