Seven people have been arrested in connection with a heroin ring operating at 7th and Cambria streets in North Philadelphia, law enforcement officials said.
The defendants were allegedly part of a drug trafficking operation run by Carlos Escobar and Miguel “Jose” Gomez. Authorities have charged Escobar, 40, Gomez, 55, Jorge Gonzalez, 37, Carlos Jiminez, 35, Jose Ramos, 51, Pedro Mendez, 34, and 26-year-old Melvin Montano with possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy and related charges.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officials said they also seized more than 25 bundles of heroin.
The arrests were made Tuesday night as part of an effort by the Joint Law Enforcement Intelligence Committee announced by Attorney General Eric Holder this year. The task force is focused on reducing violent crime in Philadelphia’s 25th Police District. Overall, it has resulted in 40 arrests and 52 seizures of heroin.
The eight defendants arrested Tuesday are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 27.
