Officials in Philadelphia have dismantled a massive drug ring operating out of a sham coffee shop, run largely by longtime, senior figures in the criminal world, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Sunday.
The sweeping takedown, dubbed "Operation Cocaine and Coffee," was launched and primarily targeted a storefront known as Cumberland Coffee and Snacks, where 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, many described by officials as well past middle age and deeply entrenched in the drug trade.
Authorities said the group, allegedly run by 56-year-old Lewis Alexander, plagued the community with "absolute harm" for more than a decade and is believed to have ties to violent crime.
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"Well, today, North Philadelphia's, the Lewis Alexander drug trafficking organization, they have a new turf and it's inside a correctional facility," Sunday said.
"Some of the defendants here are in their 50s, 60s and 70s," he added. "Many of these defendants have been at this a very long time. They were menaces to society, to people and families who just want to live free without concern of violence and crime in their everyday life."
While the raid centered in North Philadelphia, the operation’s reach reportedly extended well beyond the coffee shop, with officials serving warrants at roughly 30 locations across Philadelphia, Delaware County and New Jersey.
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Prosecutors described the organization as a persistent blight on the neighborhood, with a nearby bar and barbershop also swept up in the investigation as authorities worked to dismantle the network.
"The criminal organization has remained like weeds as families and homeowners have moved in and out of residences in the area," Sunday said.
The takedown resulted in 17 arrests and the seizure of 27 firearms, roughly four pounds of cocaine, more than 130 pounds of marijuana, as well as fentanyl, ecstasy and cash, according to officials.
The defendants face a range of felony charges, including running a corrupt organization, drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession.
Alexander is currently incarcerated on $750,000 bail.
