Police issue 2 warrants, seize thousands of bags of suspected heroin and fentanyl in Rankin
RANKIN BOROUGH (KDKA) - A two-month investigation ended in a raid that seized approximately 4,000 bags of suspected heroin and fentanyl and a handgun.
At approximately 6 a.m. on Thursday, a search warrant was executed at the Palisades Plaza in Rankin.
Over the past two months, the Allegheny County District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team had been working an undercover investigation into suspected drug trafficking in and around the apartment complex in Rankin.
A rise in violence taking place in Rankin was believed to be connected to that suspected drug trafficking.
Once agents entered the complex, they seized approximately 4,000 bags of heroin and fentanyl and a loaded 40 caliber Glock.
Additionally, arrest warrants have been issued for two men. Montell Mitchell and Durobb Johnson Jr. both have warrants out for their arrest.
After the raid, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office issued a statement, saying:
"It's the District Attorney's intention to notify the owner of the Palisades Housing Complex that they are operating a nuisance property that is endangering the safety of the occupants.
"After that notification goes out, the DA will take whatever steps are appropriate to keep those residents safe."
A spokesperson for the DA said the complex is privately run and he is not sure of the timeline of the nuisance property notification, only saying it will be soon. The spokesperson could not go into specifics on the next steps but said the worst-case scenario for the private company is it would be forced to give up ownership.
Rankin Borough Council President William Price III said police told him about the raid after it happened. Price said that he believes this should be a wake-up call.
"It's a safety issue for our residents up there," he said. "There are a lot of young kids there that need the protection from these drugs and these drug dealers. I think it's a good thing. It sends a message."
KDKA-TV left a message with the complex but did not hear back on Thursday.