$3.5M In Drugs Seized, Trafficking Organization Dismantled In Bucks

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —A bicoastal drug trafficking organization that shipped millions of dollars in deadly drugs from Los Angeles to Bucks County and surrounding areas has been dismantled.

The Bucks County District Attorney's Office said the investigation, which began in February 2023, resulted in the arrests of six individuals —four in Pennsylvania and two in California —and led to the seizure of more than $3.5 million worth of drugs, and more than 40 firearms and 100,000 rounds of ammunition.

The narcotics investigation was led by the Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force, Quakertown Borough Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations with collaborations from other local, state, and federal agencies.

Concealing the drugs in parcels, the drug organization used U.S. parcel companies to ship large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana from Los Angeles to Pennsylvania.

The six men were charged with dozens of felony counts of corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, and criminal conspiracy.

“By dismantling this dangerous national drug trafficking organization, the Bucks County Drug Strike Force and its law enforcement partners, have undoubtedly saved countless lives. More to come,” District Attorney Matt Weintraub said.

More than 40 firearms, including handguns, shotguns, hunting rifles, and assault rifles equipped with suppressors were seized as a result of the investigation, authorities said.

Some of the handguns included homemade ghost guns, and untraceable firearms without serial numbers.

Detectives also recovered more than 60 pounds of methamphetamine, a kilogram of fentanyl, more than a kilogram of cocaine, 65 pounds of marijuana, along with prebagged fentanyl/heroin, 300 fentanyl pills and 6 pounds of mushrooms.

Additionally, $15,000 in cash was seized.

Detectives used a variety of investigative tools throughout the 7-month investigation.

On Sept. 6, 2023, investigators executed search and arrest warrants in Bucks County, Berks County, Lehigh County, as well as Los Angeles and San Diego, resulting in six members of the drug trafficking organization being taken into custody.

“HSI Philadelphia is proud of our partnership with Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTA Task Forces and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office. Cases like this highlight the importance of interagency cooperation, enabling HSI to utilize its unique authorities and investigative capabilities to bolster local investigations,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “With enhanced cooperation among local, state, and federal investigators, we are able to expand cases throughout the country and ultimately enhance the safety of the American people.”

Those charged are: Michael Sanchez, 32, of Los Angeles, California; David Matthew Yohn, 53, of Springfield Township, Bucks County; Avrian Haywood Mack, 21, of Reading, Berks County; Aived Abel Garcia, 25, of Chula Vista, California; Davone Desean Walker, 43, of Allentown, Lehigh County; and Miguel Aliaga, 36, of Walnutport, Northampton County.

Yohn, Mack, and Aliaga were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Lisa J. Gaier who sent them to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $2 million bail each.

Walker was sent to the Bucks County Correctional Facility on $2.5 million bail.

Sanchez and Garcia are in custody in California and are awaiting extradition.

The investigation was a major collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies, including but not limited to: Bucks County District Attorney’s Office Drug Strike Force, Quakertown Borough Police Department, Philadelphia Division of Homeland Security Investigations (SAC Philadelphia), Pennsylvania Counterdrug Joint Task Force (PA CJTF), Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Richland Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Probation Department, Berks County Detectives, United States Postal Service (USPS), Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General (PAOAG), Bensalem Township Police Department, Montgomery County Detectives, and the Los Angeles (ASAC LAX) and San Diego (SAC San Diego) Divisions of Homeland Security Investigations.