PHILADELPHIA, PA — Federal prosecutors announced sweeping charges Friday against 33 individuals accused of operating a violent drug trafficking organization that allegedly controlled one of the most active narcotics markets in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood for nearly a decade.
At a news conference, United States Attorney David Metcalf revealed the indictment, describing it as one of the largest federal drug cases of the century prosecuted in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The case targets what authorities allege was a sophisticated criminal enterprise known as the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization, or “Weymouth DTO.”
According to the indictment, the organization distributed fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine across multiple open-air markets in Kensington — primarily along the 3100 block of Weymouth Street, as well as at F and Clementine Streets, E and Wishart Streets, and 3000 Potter Street. Prosecutors allege that the group used violence, including shootings, murder, and intimidation, to maintain control of its territory and retaliate against rivals or witnesses believed to have cooperated with law enforcement.
Authorities identified the alleged leader as 45-year-old Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, known as “Flaco,” of Luquillo, Puerto Rico. He is accused of authorizing sales, collecting “rent” from street-level dealers, and using threats or violence to protect the organization’s operations. Prosecutors also allege that 40-year-old Ramon Roman-Montanez, known as “Viejo,” managed day-to-day drug sales, coordinating shifts, distribution, and proceeds. Another accused leader, 33-year-old Nancy Rios-Valentin, allegedly helped organize operations and handle financial transactions.
Twenty-four defendants were arrested in coordinated operations on Friday morning, while eight others were already in custody on unrelated charges. One suspect remains at large.
During the announcement, U.S. Attorney Metcalf emphasized the scale and impact of the case. “This indictment is, by defendant count, the largest federal case of this century prosecuted by our office,” he said. “We are committed to returning these neighborhoods to their residents and reclaiming them from drug dealers who profit from the misery of others.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the collaboration among agencies, stating that “drug traffickers who poison our communities and enforce their territory through violence will face the full force of federal law.”
FBI Director Kash Patel and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel also commended the joint efforts of federal, state, and local authorities. “Over 30 people have been charged for their alleged role in drug trafficking and dozens of other offenses,” Patel said. “These individuals were members of a violent drug trafficking organization that used fear and violence to dominate their community.”
Commissioner Bethel described the indictment as a milestone in ongoing efforts to restore safety in Kensington. “This group pumped fentanyl into a community already hurting, and they used violence to protect their business,” Bethel said. “This is One Philly in action — agencies standing shoulder-to-shoulder to protect the people of this city.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Solow and Jason Grenell.
The indictment is part of PSN Recon, a collaborative initiative under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program aimed at identifying and prosecuting Philadelphia’s most violent offenders.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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