Danny Jackson, Cocaine Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2018

Cocaine Trafficking Ring Busted in Western Pennsylvania

A large-scale cocaine trafficking scheme has been brought to an end after two men pleaded guilty in federal court. Danny Jackson, 33, of Pine Hill, New Jersey, and Moussa Jabateh, 32, a citizen of Liberia residing in Miami, Florida, faced charges of conspiring to distribute kilograms of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute kilograms of cocaine.

According to court documents, Jackson and Jabateh conspired to distribute between 50 to 150 kilograms of cocaine in the Western District of Pennsylvania between October 2017 and July 2018. Jabateh obtained the supply of cocaine, and Jackson physically transported kilograms of cocaine via bus from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh roughly twice a month for the nine-month period.

As part of the investigation, authorities seized nearly $8,000,000 in cash and other assets, 42 kilograms of cocaine, 12 kilograms of fentanyl, three kilograms of heroin, and 121 grams of oxycodone. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation.

Danny Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. He faces a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both.

Moussa Jabateh pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He consented to his removal from the United States after serving his prison sentence here. Jabateh faces a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose scheduled sentencing for both defendants on March 24, 2020, at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Pending sentencing, the court continued the detention of both defendants. Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Mark V. Gurzo are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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