Philadelphia drug ring busted at sham coffee shop, 17 people arrested

Authorities in Philadelphia have busted a massive drug ring operating out of a fake coffee shop and led largely by longtime top figures in the criminal world, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Sunday.

A large-scale operation called “Operation Cocaine and Coffee” was launched, primarily targeting the storefront of a store known as Cumberland Coffee and Snacks. Here, authorities say the second floor was used to cook and package crack cocaine for street-level distribution.

At least 17 suspected members of the operation were arrested; most of them were described by authorities as being past middle age and deeply entrenched in the drug trade.

Authorities said the group, allegedly led by 56-year-old Lewis Alexander, had caused “absolute harm” to the community for more than a decade and was believed to be linked to violent crime.

FEDERAL AGENTS ARRESTED 12 ALLEGED MEMBERS OF LA’S MASSIVE 18TH STREET GANG DRUG TRAFFICKING OPERATION

“Well, today the Lewis Alexander drug trafficking organization in North Philadelphia has a new site, and it’s inside a juvenile facility,” Sunday said.

“Some of the defendants here are in their 50s, 60s and 70s,” he added. “Many of these defendants have been in this business for a very long time. They were a threat to society, to people and families who want to live freely without the worry of violence and crime in their daily lives.”

Although the raid was headquartered in North Philadelphia, the reach of the operation reportedly extended far beyond the cafeteria, with authorities executing search warrants at nearly 30 locations in Philadelphia, Delaware County and New Jersey.

DA SAYS Drug Lord On Parole Was CAUGHT WITH ENOUGH FENTANIL TO KILL MOST OF THE COUNTY

“Operation Cocaine and Coffee” targeted a fake coffee shop called Cumberland Coffee and Snacks. (PA Attorney General’s Office)

Prosecutors called the organization a permanent blight on the neighborhood, with a nearby bar and barber shop also eliminated as part of the investigation as authorities tried to take down the network.

“The criminal organization remained like weeds as families and homeowners moved in and out of residences in the area,” Sunday said.

According to authorities, 17 people were arrested following the operation and 27 firearms, approximately 4 kilos of cocaine, more than 130 kilos of marijuana, as well as fentanyl, ecstasy and cash were seized.

Attorney General Dave Sunday and his law enforcement partners announced Wednesday the successful dismantling of a notorious drug trafficking ring in Philadelphia. (PA Attorney General Dave Sunday/YouTube)

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

The defendants face a number of felony charges, including running a corrupt organization, drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.

Alexander is currently in jail on $750,000 bail.