Dem-Run City Police Chief Praises Patel, FBI After Big Drug Bust

Federal authorities in Philadelphia conducted a major law enforcement operation targeting the open-air drug market in the city’s Kensington neighborhood on Friday, according to reports.

The raid was widely praised by city officials, who commended FBI Director Kash Patel for increasing federal support for local anti-drug efforts.

“Today, even more criminals are off the streets because of the diligent work of the FBI and our partners,” Patel said, per a statement released by the FBI. “Over 30 people have been charged for their alleged role in drug trafficking and dozens of other offenses. These individuals were charged with distributing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine on one of the most prolific drug blocks in Philadelphia.

“They were members of a violent drug trafficking organization and used violence to enforce their territory and sell drugs that poison our city streets and community. The FBI will continue our work to put an end to drug trafficking and violence in our cities,” he added.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel praised Patel and emphasized ongoing commitment, saying, “We’re not going to apologize for removing people who terrorize our community. This is the model we can keep running.”

“Director Patel, I appreciate the support,” Bethel added. “This is the work I constantly tell people. We are having SIGNIFICANT success across the city this year…it’s those relationships…it’s the FBI I would turn to to help us.”

“Drug traffickers who poison our communities and enforce their territory through violence will face the full force of federal law,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Working alongside our state and local partners, the Department of Justice will continue to dismantle these criminal networks, hold violent offenders accountable, and restore safety to neighborhoods that have suffered for far too long. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Metcalf, the FBI, and every prosecutor and agent whose dedication made today’s action possible.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, led by David Metcalf, unsealed an indictment charging 33 individuals with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine. Prosecutors said the case centers on the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization, which allegedly controlled the 3100 block of Weymouth Street—considered the epicenter of Kensington’s drug trade—from January 2016 through October 2025.

The operation was carried out under the Project Safe Neighborhoods Recon initiative and included coordinated raids by the FBI, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other agencies.

Authorities executed 11 search warrants, deploying nine tactical teams and several hundred officers across Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, Delaware, and New Jersey, the FBI noted in a press release.

Key defendants named in the indictment include Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, 45, of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, who is accused of overseeing the drug operation and collecting “rent” from street-level dealers; Ramon Roman-Montanez, 40, of Philadelphia, who allegedly managed day-to-day operations; and Nancy Rios-Valentin, 33, also of Philadelphia, who is charged with handling the organization’s finances.

According to the indictment, from approximately January 2016 through October 2025, the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization (Weymouth DTO) distributed fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine on the 3100 block of Weymouth Street — described as one of Philadelphia’s most active drug corridors.

The area allegedly operated as an open-air drug market where illegal narcotics were sold around the clock. Prosecutors say the group’s operations also extended to nearby locations, including the intersections of F and Clementine Streets, E and Wishart Streets, and the 3000 block of Potter Street, said the FBI press release.

The indictment further alleges that the Weymouth DTO used violence to maintain control of its territory, including shootings, murder, and physical assaults. Members of the organization are accused of retaliating against witnesses believed to have cooperated with law enforcement and carrying out violent attacks on rival drug trafficking groups, the bureau noted further.

Authorities arrested 24 defendants during coordinated operations on Friday. Eight additional suspects were already in state or federal custody, while one individual remains at large.