Watch CBS News

Dozens Charged As Alleged Montco Drug Ring Is Taken Down

By Brad Segall

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- Montgomery County authorities say they have dismantled what they are calling a "major" drug trafficking operation that spread cocaine, marijuana and prescription narcotics throughout communities of the Delaware Valley.

Dubbed "Operation Chain Link," the wiretap investigation started in mid-November and resulted in charges against 25 people.

Authorities say their target was José Rodriguez-Cordero, who lived on Chain Street in Norristown, but had links throughout the area.

Story continues below photo ...

pot+guns segall DL
(Credit: Brad Segall)

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman says intercepted cell phone conversations led them to the surrounding counties, where they got help from other law enforcement agencies.

"We know drug dealers don't respect jurisdictional borders, they don't stop at county lines or city lines, they go wherever they want to," the DA said, "and similarly we need to be able to stay ahead of them."

Search warrants were executed at 19 homes and a hotel room last month. Police seized nearly $170,000 in cash, plus cocaine, 92 pounds of pot, guns, bank records, and drug paraphernalia.

Police also want to know if this group is linked to an unsolved murder last July in Norristown.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.