Chester cocaine ring busted, 15 charged

Authorities on Friday announced charges in connection to a yearlong investigation into an alleged cocaine smuggling ring based in a Chester housing project.

Eleven people were arrested and warrants have been issued for four more, all ranging in age from 22 to 61, based on a law enforcement operation that centered on the Ruth L. Bennett Homes in Chester, Philly.com reported.

“The war on drugs rages on, but today law enforcement is claiming a victory,” AG Kane was quoted by Philly.com.

Dubbed “Operation Bennett Trifecta,” the investigation involved a combination of confidential informants, undercover work, street surveillance and more than 7,000 intercepted texts and phone calls, NBC10 reported.

“The obstacles that arose … came from the physical layout of the development,” Kane was quoted by Philly.com. “The development was laid out in the shape of a horseshoe, making surveillance very difficult.”

Over the course of the 50-week operation, the suspects allegedly handled as much as 150 kilos of cocaine with a street value possibly reaching $15 million, NBC10 added.

Defendants face charges that include narcotics violations, conspiracy, criminal use of a communications facility and dealing in the proceeds of illegal activity, according to Philly.com.