Pennsylvania AG Announces Break-Up Of $2.6 Million Prescription Drug Ring Operating In Philadelphia

12 Charged In "Operation Pill Hill"

October 31, 2007 -- PHILADELPHIA - A $2.6 million prescription drug distribution ring was broken-up today by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation (BNI) resulting in the arrest of five out of 12 suspected drug dealers operating in and around Philadelphia.

Attorney General Tom Corbett said the investigation, known as "Operation Pill Hill" focused on the illegal distribution and use of Oxycontin in Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware and Bucks Counties.Operation Pill Hill

Evidence and testimony regarding the alleged drug dealing was presented to a statewide investigating grand jury, which recommended the criminal charges being filed today.

According to the grand jury, agents identified a network of individuals who sold small and large quantities of Oxycontin and other painkillers in various parts of Philadelphia.

Agents estimate that over the course of the investigation 65,000 Oxycontin pills, with an estimated street value of $2.6 million, were purchased in Philadelphia for use and distribution in suburban counties.

Corbett said OxyContin, a prescription painkiller, is a highly addictive drug, which can produce the same effect on a person as heroin. The drug is classified as a Schedule II narcotic, which means that you must have a doctor's prescription in order to legally use the drug.

The grand jury found that individuals traveled to Philadelphia to buy Oxycontin, some traveling more than 100 times to purchase the drug. One individual allegedly bought Oxycontin from 25-30 different street sellers in Philadelphia. These buyers were directed to different locations after initial illegal pill transactions occurred near 17th and Jefferson Streets.

Corbett explained that the area around 17th and Jefferson Streets is known as "Pill Hill" and is a notorious destination to purchase pills and establish drug connections for larger volume Oxycontin buys at discount prices.

According to the grand jury, the Oxycontin and other prescription drugs sold in Philadelphia were prescribed pills being re-sold or pills stolen from pharmacies or drug companies. The price of the Oxycontin ranged from $20 for a 40 mg pill to $40 for an 80 mg pill.

Corbett said that the Philadelphia Oxycontin drug dealers allegedly knew that their buyers were from suburban counties and occasionally traveled to those areas to deliver pills. Once the buyers had developed addictions, they allegedly traveled to Philadelphia to buy Oxycontin at better prices.

The grand jury found that purchasers phoned Philadelphia Oxycontin sources before leaving their suburban residences and arranged to meet at a pre-determined Philadelphia location. Transactions allegedly took place inside the out-of-county purchaser's vehicle.

Corbett noted that these suburban purchasers took great lengths in order to support their addiction. In some instances, individuals were robbed and fired upon by handguns while buying Oxycontin.

"Prescription drug abuse does not have the same social stigma as illegal drug abuse," Corbett said, "but these drugs can be just as deadly as heroin or cocaine, and the impact of addiction, crime and other related problems can be just as harmful."

The Prescription Drug Problem

Prescription drug abuse is a national, state and local problem accounting for nearly 30 percent of the overall drug addiction problem in the United States. Behind marijuana use, prescription drugs are the second most commonly abused drug.

Corbett said prescription drug abuse affects every socio-economic and age group, and is rapidly on the rise among young people.

"The abuse of prescription pain-killers like OxyContin is rapidly rising as the drug of choice among teens and young adults, leaving behind a trail of overdose deaths and crime that has a direct impact on every community," Corbett said.

Prescription drug abuse is sometimes called a "closet" addiction because friends, family and co-workers are often not aware of a person's addiction. However, prescription drug abuse can be just as deadly as heroin or cocaine addiction and the impact on society can be just as harmful.

Corbett said the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation actively investigates and prosecutes cases involving the illegal diversion or abuse of prescription drugs.

Corbett thanked the Philadelphia District Attorney's office, the Chester County Sheriff's Department, Philadelphia Police Department and Lower Providence Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.

A complete list of the defendants and the charges against them is below:

--Sharkeen "Shock" or "Shot" King, 29, 4308 Bodine St., Philadelphia, is charged with six counts delivery of a controlled substance and one count each of possession with intent to deliver controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Qeiyona Harris, 21, 4308 Bodine St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with the intent to deliver controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Rob Robinson, 22, 4449 Chadwick St., Philadelphia, is charged with three counts of delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--James "JP" Peterson, 24, 1505 N 18th St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Kelvin "69" Roberts Sr., 41, 1439 N. 17th St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Kelvin "Smack" or "Shank" Roberts Jr., 25, 1439 N. 17th St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Terrance "Bum" Johnson, 20, 3831 Wallace St., Philadelphia, is charged with three counts of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Early "E" Butler, 24, 1040 Orleans St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Jamal "JP" Pennock, 25, 3135 N. 34th St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Byron Omar "B" Davis, 21, 1820 W. Oxford St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Lavar "Nori" Cole, 28, 5750 Colgate St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

--Aamir "Sah" or "Shar" Bennett, 32, 5126 Hazel Ave., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)

Source: Pennsylvania Attorney General

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