BUCKS COUNTY, PA (BCDAP) – In a major operation conducted by the Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force, Quakertown Borough Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and several other law enforcement agencies, a bicoastal drug trafficking organization has been dismantled. This organization was responsible for smuggling millions of dollars worth of drugs from Los Angeles to Bucks County and its surrounding areas. The investigation, which began in February 2023, resulted in the arrests of six individuals and the seizure of over $3.5 million worth of drugs, as well as 40 firearms and 100,000 rounds of ammunition.
The drug organization operated by concealing drugs in parcels and using U.S. parcel companies to ship large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana from Los Angeles to Pennsylvania. These dangerous drugs posed a significant threat to the community, and by dismantling the organization, law enforcement agencies have undoubtedly saved countless lives.
District Attorney Matt Weintraub expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Bucks County Drug Strike Force and its partners in combating drug trafficking. He emphasized that this successful operation is just one example of their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Throughout the seven-month-long investigation, detectives used various investigative tools to gather evidence. On September 6, 2023, search and arrest warrants were executed in Bucks County, Berks County, Lehigh County, as well as Los Angeles and San Diego. As a result, six members of the drug trafficking organization were apprehended and taken into custody.
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Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia, William S. Walker, highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation in combating drug trafficking. He commended the partnership between HSI Philadelphia, Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTA Task Forces, and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, stating that it allowed them to utilize their unique authorities and investigative capabilities to strengthen local investigations. This collaboration enables law enforcement to expand their reach across the country and enhance the safety of the American people.
The six individuals involved in the drug trafficking organization were charged with multiple felony counts, including corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, and criminal conspiracy. The individuals charged are Michael Sanchez, David Matthew Yohn, Avrian Haywood Mack, Aived Abel Garcia, Davone Desean Walker, and Miguel Aliaga. The three individuals arrested in Pennsylvania were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Lisa J. Gaier and have been remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility under $2 million bail each. Davone Desean Walker was sent to the Bucks County Correctional Facility under $2.5 million bail.
Sanchez and Garcia, who were arrested in California, are currently in custody and awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. During the investigation, it was discovered that the drug trafficking organization was also involved in the illegal possession and transfer of firearms. As a result, more than 40 firearms, including handguns, shotguns, hunting rifles, and assault rifles equipped with suppressors, were seized. Notably, some of the handguns were homemade ghost guns, which are untraceable firearms without serial numbers. Detectives also recovered a significant amount of drugs, including 60 pounds of methamphetamine, a kilogram of fentanyl, more than a kilogram of cocaine, 65 pounds of marijuana, prebagged fentanyl/heroin, 300 fentanyl pills, and six pounds of mushrooms. In addition, $15,000 in U.S. currency was confiscated.
This operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. By pooling their resources and expertise, they can effectively disrupt and dismantle dangerous criminal organizations, not only protecting the communities they serve but also enhancing the safety of the entire nation.
The successful outcome of this investigation demonstrates the commitment and dedication of the Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force, Quakertown Borough Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and other collaborating agencies in combating drug trafficking. Their tireless efforts have undoubtedly made a significant impact and will continue to contribute to the ongoing fight against the illicit drug trade.
