Two people were charged last week after law enforcement raided a pair of homes in the Far Northeast, recovering dozens of guns and an estimated $1.5 million worth of drugs, authorities said.
Prosecutors said the investigation began four months ago as a probe into a ring selling cocaine and MDMA, also known as ecstasy; however, in raids earlier this month, officers recovered an astonishing amount of firepower, including a Barrett .50 caliber rifle and about 25,000 rounds of ammunition.
“This is something that is used by militaries for armored vehicles, shooting down helicopters, shooting through concrete or brick walls, exploding ordinance that they don’t want to approach to diffuse, and, obviously, something that has no place within the city,” Assistant District Attorney Stephen Girman told reporters at a briefing Friday.
Yandra Kamberaj, 26, has been arrested and is facing more than 30 criminal charges, including possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy and a host of weapons-related counts. Authorities also charged 45-year-old Theodore Manko, mainly with drug offenses.
The DA’s Office said state troopers bought ecstasy and cocaine as part of the operation, which culminated in searches at 412 Tomlinson Road in Somerton and 1814 Gregg St. in the Bustleton neighborhood.
Officers discovered several high-caliber weapons, including a Desert Eagle .44 Magnum and a sniper rifle chambered in .308. In all, 24 guns were recovered, along with parts to assemble 23 more, according to prosecutors. They said hundreds of magazines and tactical gear were also confiscated from the properties.
Investigators allege that Kamberaj was building “ghost guns” – firearms that lack a serial number and are almost impossible to trace – using a pair of 3-D printers. Slides and diagrams were uncovered during the raid, officials added.
The searches also netted 70 pounds of marijuana, 20 pounds of THC gummies, 16 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms, 3,500 grams of rock MDMA or Molly, 2,550 grams of Ketamine, 2,500 grams of cocaine and 4,100 ecstasy pills, according to the DA’s Office.
Kamberaj’s bail was set at $650,000, of which she must post 10% to be released, court records show. Bond for Manko was placed at 10% of $300,000.
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