PHILADELPHIA – The FBI revealed on Friday that over twenty individuals have been charged with drug offenses following an extensive investigation targeting a Philadelphia gang.

Allegedly distributing cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin in Kensington, one of Philadelphia’s busiest drug hotspots, the operation spanned from January 2016 to October 2025, according to the indictment. This crackdown aligns with former President Donald Trump’s nationwide initiative to bolster federal law enforcement against crime, despite a recent decline in crime rates in major cities, including Philadelphia.

During a press briefing on Friday, FBI Director Kash Patel announced, “We have effectively dismantled a drug trafficking network in Philadelphia, halting their influx of firearms, chemicals, and narcotics into our neighborhoods,” emphasizing the successful synergy among federal and local agencies.

A total of 33 individuals face 41 charges concerning drug distribution, with the indictment alleging their use of violence and intimidation to assert dominance over the area.

Patel concluded, “This operation exemplifies our commitment to safeguarding communities across the nation.”

Parts of Trump’s efforts to mobilize federal law enforcement have garnered blowback as national guard troops and armed federal agents have patrolled city streets, conducted sweeping immigration enforcement and at times used violent tactics against protesters.

The main area where the gang operated was essentially “owned” by Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, 45, known as “Flaco,” the indictment says. Other members paid him “rent” to sell drugs there. More than 20 people were arrested Friday.

Members had assigned shifts and “well-defined” roles such as setting up a schedule at all hours for the block, managing money, looking out for police, resupplying drugs and carrying out violence against rival gangs, the indictment says.

“For too long, the Weymouth Street drug trafficking organization flooded the streets of Kensington with drugs and terrorized residents with horrific acts of violence and intimidation,” Wayne Jacobs, special agent in charge of the Philadelphia FBI, said Friday. “That ended today.”