Federal authorities in Philadelphia conducted a major law enforcement operation targeting the open-air drug market in the city’s Kensington neighborhood on Friday, officials reported. The raids were widely praised by city leaders, who commended FBI Director Kash Patel for enhancing federal support for local anti-drug efforts. “Over 30 people have been charged for their alleged role in drug trafficking and dozens of other offenses,” Patel said, noting that the individuals were involved in distributing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine on one of Philadelphia’s most prolific drug blocks. “They were members of a violent drug trafficking organization and used violence to enforce their territory and sell drugs that poison our city streets and community,” he added.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel emphasized the city’s ongoing commitment to combating drug crime, praising the FBI’s partnership. “We’re not going to apologize for removing people who terrorize our community. This is the model we can keep running,” Bethel said. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also lauded the operation, stating, “Drug traffickers who poison our communities and enforce their territory through violence will face the full force of federal law.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, led by David Metcalf, unsealed an indictment charging 33 individuals with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine, centered on the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), which allegedly controlled the 3100 block of Weymouth Street from January 2016 through October 2025.

The multi-agency operation, carried out under the Project Safe Neighborhoods Recon initiative, involved coordinated raids by the FBI, Philadelphia Police, DEA, and other agencies. Authorities executed 11 search warrants using nine tactical teams and several hundred officers across Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, Delaware, and New Jersey. Key defendants include Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, accused of overseeing the DTO and collecting “rent” from dealers; Ramon Roman-Montanez, alleged to manage daily operations; and Nancy Rios-Valentin, charged with handling finances. Prosecutors say the group distributed narcotics around the clock and used violence—including shootings and assaults—to maintain control, retaliate against witnesses, and attack rival groups. Authorities arrested 24 suspects on Friday, with eight already in custody and one still at large.