9 charged with operating a drug trafficking organization in Delaware County

A Harrisburg man is wanted in connection with the activities of a “major” drug trafficking organization in Delaware County, according to the district attorney. Police are searching for Nakia Jeffries, 49. He and eight others who have already been arrested face charges: Baruti Mills, 46, Upland, Leo Davis, 47, Chester, Gregory Young, 52, Marcus Hook, Gregory Council, 63, Downingtown, Kareem Bannister, 37, Chester, Louis Stillis, 53, Upland, Anthony Major, 53, Philadelphia, Breon Gethers, 38, Chester. The investigation, known as Operation Rat Pack, began in February. The county's Narcotics Task Force and Delaware State Police identified Mills as the leader of the alleged drug trafficking organization. Investigators concluded that he had organized the acquisition of cocaine from sources in Philadelphia and other locations.The district attorney said that between March and May, members of the NFT undercover purchased cocaine from Young.In June, the NTF conducted a series of wiretaps on the defendants' cell phones. According to the district attorney, those wiretaps were used to determine that each of the nine defendants was involved in the acquisition and sale of cocaine through the network allegedly operated by Mills.On August 13, law enforcement executed search warrants at 16 locations in Delaware County and the state of Delaware, resulting in the seizure of:429.94 grams of cocaine257 grams of marijuana$63,073 in cash3 handguns40 rounds of ammunitionSix vehicles”The defendants charged in Operation Rat Pack are drug kingpins responsible for a majority of the illegal narcotics sold in our county,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “The work of dismantling this organization was difficult, lengthy and dangerous, and required a tremendous investment of time and money. But I know that by dismantling this organization, we have made Delaware County a safer and healthier place to live.” All nine individuals are charged with operating a corrupt organization, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, conspiracy and weapons offenses. The incarcerated defendants were arraigned and their bail was set at $500,000. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.