Drug Pipeline From California To Western Pennsylvania Dismantled, 47 Indicted
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Nearly 50 people are facing charges after authorities dismantled a drug pipeline from California to western Pennsylvania.
Forty-seven people have been charged with narcotics trafficking, money laundering and firearms violations in six separate but related indictments after "Operation Return To Sender."
The nine-month-long wiretrap operation investigated drug trafficking in and around Allegheny, Jefferson and Clearfield counties.
The takedown was a joint effort between multiple law enforcement agencies like the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, state police and Pittsburgh Police.
"In the last two years, we have seen methamphetamine distribution on the rise in western Pennsylvania," said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Kaufman. "Through Operation Return to Sender, we have shut down a major California to western Pennsylvania drug pipeline and improved the quality of life for our citizens."