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Nine Charged in Kensington Area Drug Trafficking Ring
PHILADELPHIA – A 44-count Second Superseding Indictment, unsealed today, charges nine people with conspiring to distribute phencyclidine (‘PCP’) and cocaine base (‘crack’) in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, announced United States Attorney William M. McSwain.
Charged are: James Grimes, a/k/a ‘Speedy,’ ‘Dink,’ ‘HM,’ 27, Hassain Griffin, a/k/a ‘Glizzy,’ ‘Frizzy,’ ‘ODOG,’ ‘GlizzytheHitta,’ 23, Andrew Gault, a/k/a ‘Fly,’ ‘Butterknife King,’ ‘BKK,’ 26, Katina Grimes, a/k/a ‘Snoop,’ ‘SnoopdaHitta,’ 29, Tyreeq Lenair, a/k/a ‘Bear,’ 26, Quran Justice, a/k/a ‘Skee,’ 21, Wayne Brunson, a/k/a ‘Weez,’ 23, Unterrio Parris, a/k/a ‘Dudda,’ ‘Didda,’ 24, Anthony Hill, a/k/a ‘Turk,’ ‘Turt,’ 27, all living in Philadelphia.
In addition to the conspiracy count, the defendants are charged in multiple counts of distribution of phencyclidine, distribution of cocaine base, possession with the intent to distribute phencyclidine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, distribution of controlled substances within 1000 feet of a school, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1000 feet of a school, maintaining a drug house, unlawful use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, use and carrying of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (see attached chart).
“This was an organized, methodical and violent group of drug dealers who used force to protect their business and their turf,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “This organization and others like it effectively hold neighborhoods hostage. If law abiding citizens are going to live without fear, we have to do everything possible to shut these organizations down.”
According to the Second Superseding Indictment, the conspiracy existed from approximately June 2014 to November 2016. Defendants James Grimes and Hassain Griffin led and organized the drug trafficking group that referred to itself as the ‘TruHittaz’ (hereinafter, ‘the TruHittaz DTG’). The TruHittaz DTG conducted their drug trafficking activities on and around the 700 and 800 blocks of East Willard and East Madison Streets in Philadelphia, PA. The TruHittaz DTG obtained quantities of phencyclidine, cocaine base, heroin, marijuana, and other controlled substances from suppliers, both outside and within the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The TruHittaz DTG then distributed in excess of 1 kilogram of phencyclidine, 280 grams of cocaine base, and quantities of heroin, marijuana, and other controlled substances in and around their drug territory. This investigation is an example of ATF’s dedication to working with our state, local and federal partners in identifying, targeting, and investigating violent criminals who are involved in selling narcotics and firearms. These offenders prey upon innocent citizens and lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald Robinson.
The TruHittaz DTG separated and packaged bulk quantities of liquid phencyclidine and cocaine base into different distribution quantities, and then distributed and sold the drugs to customers in and around their drug territory. A large part of the area in which the TruHittaz distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute drugs was located within 1,000 feet of several area schools.
About the Investigation
The TruHittaz DTG classified themselves and each other as ‘bosses’ or ‘shot callers,’ ‘caseworkers,’ ‘trappers,’ and ‘lookouts,’ delineating their role(s) in the organization. ‘Lookouts’ watched for and alerted other members of the TruHittaz DTG to the presence of law enforcement in the area. ‘Trappers’ sold drugs on the block, and ‘caseworkers’ oversaw and supervised the drug trafficking activities of the TruHittaz DTG.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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