Authorities in Delaware County, Pennsylvania have made a significant breakthrough in their fight against drug trafficking. They have successfully arrested eight individuals who are believed to be key figures in a major drug trade operation. Efforts are still underway to apprehend one more person who is currently being sought by the authorities.
The following individuals have been taken into custody:
- Baruti Mills, a 46-year-old resident of Upland,
- Leo Davis, a 47-year-old resident of Chester
- Gregory Young, a 52-year-old resident of Marcus Hook
- Gregory Council, a 63-year-old resident of Downingtown
- Kareem Bannister, a 33-year-old resident of Chester
- Louis Stillis, a 53-year-old resident of Upland
- Anthony Major, a 53-year-old resident of Philadelphia
- Breon Gethers, a 38-year-old resident of Chester.
Authorities are currently searching for Nakia Jeffries, 49, of Harrisburg, who is facing charges, according to officials.
Every individual is facing charges related to running a corrupt organization, possessing a controlled substance with the intention to distribute, participating in a conspiracy, and also facing firearms charges.
District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer described Operation “Rat Pack” as an exceptionally thorough undercover operation conducted by the county’s narcotics task force (NTF) in recent years.
“These are drug kingpins. These aren’t just people selling marijuana to each other. These are people selling one of the most addictive drugs there is,” Stollsteimer said.
Assistance was provided by the Delaware State Police and the FBI during the operation.
An investigation into alleged drug trafficking activities commenced in February 2024, with Mills being identified as the leader of the organization, as stated in a press release from the District Attorney’s Office.
Indianapolis Father Shot Girlfriend and Their Baby after She Broke Up with Him; Arrested by Authorities
“We have targeted the corrupt organizations that bring this poison into our communities, not just the individuals who sell it on our street corners,” Stollsteimer said in the press release.
Authorities report that Mills is accused of coordinating the acquisition of cocaine from various sources, including those in Philadelphia. According to reports, he also ran a warehouse in Wilmington, Delaware, where he stored cocaine.
“Very high-tech, sophisticated operation. I said earlier these are not people who are just starting the trade. They are notorious, known to law enforcement,” said Stollsteimer.
According to the DA’s office, Bannister and Young are considered reliable members of the organization who would accompany Mills to Philadelphia to provide other members with a fresh supply of cocaine. Bannister is alleged to have accompanied Mills to the storage facility in Wilmington.
According to reports, NTF members conducted covert operations in the city of Chester from March to May, during which they made controlled purchases of cocaine from Young.
In June, a judge granted NTF approval to intercept cell phone calls through wiretaps between the defendants. This allowed officials to confirm that all nine defendants were involved in the acquisition and sale of cocaine through Mills’ network.
On August 13, law enforcement carried out search warrants at 16 locations in Delaware County and the state of Delaware.
A warehouse on 10th Street in Chester was one of the locations. According to authorities, they discovered digital scales with traces of cocaine, bags of different sizes, and a half pound of marijuana.
Law enforcement officials discovered illicit substances in an apartment located above the Madison Grille on East 12th Street in Chester. The substances were reportedly stored and occasionally distributed by individuals residing there.
As part of the search warrants, a significant amount of cash totaling $63,073 was confiscated, along with six vehicles, three weapons, and ammunition. Authorities confiscated approximately 430 grams of cocaine and 257 grams of marijuana.
Undercover Operation Leads 11 Arrests, Including Ex-Alabama Trooper, on Child Exploitation Charges
“The defendants charged as a result of Operation Rat Pack are drug trade ‘kingpins’ responsible for providing a major share of the illegal narcotics sold in our county,” Stollsteimer said. “I know that by dismantling this organization, we have made Delaware County a safer, healthier place in which to live.”
All eight defendants in custody have been arraigned and bail has been set at $500,000 cash for each. The individuals are currently detained at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility and are set to undergo preliminary hearings on August 28.
