United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CORAOPOLIS, Pa. - The Special Agent in (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Division, Gary Tuggle and the Chief of the Coraopolis Police Department, Ronald Denbow announced the indictment of 22 people for violations of the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.

The indictment of 17 men and five women was the result of a three month operation conducted jointly by the Coraopolis Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Pittsburgh District Office.  The arrests, which took place in the early morning hours, were the culmination of months of investigative efforts by both agencies targeting heroin distribution in the Coraopolis and Moon Township areas.   

“The trafficking and abuse of opioids and heroin is a danger to all of our communities,” said SAC Tuggle.  “Today’s operation is a direct response to this threat and DEA will continue to work to improve the safety of our neighborhoods by working with our counterparts.”

"This was a three month joint investigation by the Coraopolis Police Department and the DEA that resulted in over 20 arrest warrants for the sale, distribution and delivery of heroin in our community," said Chief Denbow.  "Heroin has become a major problem in cities across this country and DEA's 360 Strategy is an excellent opportunity for law enforcement to support prevention and treatment programs.  My department will continue to work with our federal partners and take an aggressive approach to combating the current heroin epidemic."

The operation was conducted in furtherance of DEA’s “360 Strategy.”  This initiative was launched in November 2015 as a comprehensive law enforcement and prevention response to the prescription drug and heroin epidemic.  As part of this strategy, DEA has partnered with prevention and treatment professionals across Western Pennsylvania.  Individuals in Allegheny County seeking drug and alcohol assistance can contact the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol at 412-350-3328.  Individuals in Westmoreland County seeking assistance should contact the Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission’s Case Management Unit at 800-220-1810, Ext 2. 

Members of the media wanting additional information about this operation or about the 360 Strategy are asked to contact DEA Public Information Officer/Special Agent Patrick J. Trainor at (215) 852-8740 or .