Wilkes-Barre Narc Boss Gets 10-Year Sentence for Drug Ring

SCRANTON – In a major blow to the drug trade in Luzerne County, Andrew Pope, 45, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was handed a 120-month sentence by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for his role in a sprawling drug conspiracy.

Pope, who was sentenced on May 15, 2024, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and over 50 grams of methamphetamine. United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam revealed that Pope’s operation spanned from May 2021 to April 2022.

According to Karam, the defendant was instrumental in distributing large quantities of various drugs throughout Luzerne County. The investigation into Pope’s activities was a collaborative effort involving Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force.

The case is part of an ongoing initiative by the United States Attorney’s Office to tackle the nationwide heroin epidemic through the Heroin Initiative. This effort aims to apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in heroin trafficking across the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Pope’s conviction is a significant victory for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which seeks to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy on May 26, 2021, emphasizing community engagement and strategic enforcement priorities.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Hardik led the prosecution against Pope. This sentence sends a clear message that those who engage in drug trafficking will be held accountable.