From staff reports
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Monday the arrests of 19 people accused of operating a cocaine trafficking organization in Crawford and Erie counties.
The arrests are the result of a long-term wiretap investigation that began in January 2018, during which time the organization sold seven kilograms of cocaine, or half a kilogram a month, a press release from Shapiro’s office said.
The organization was led by defendant Tommy T. Howard, 46 of Erie, who would travel to Meadville three days a week to sell controlled substances, primarily cocaine, the press release said.
Agents executed search warrants on two Crawford County locations and three Erie County locations, seizing several ounces of both cocaine and marijuana, as well as about $34,000 in cash.
Nine of those arrested live in Meadville, nine live in Erie, and one lives in Quakertown.
Shapiro said the investigation is continuing.
