Ten people are facing charges following the takedown of a Philadelphia-based drug trafficking organization that federal and local officials say moved bulk cocaine supplied by Mexican cartels throughout the region, officials said. The organization's alleged leaders, Gregory Jones and Edward Basley, are accused in the case. Metcalf said some defendants had returned to the illicit narcotics trade.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf, FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs, and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel held a news conference Wednesday to detail the years-long investigation, as reported by NBC10 Philadelphia. Metcalf described it as a prosecution of “the principals, executives, leaders, founders, and owners” and referred to the men who could not be replaced. Prosecutors said the Jones-Basley Drug Trafficking Organization distributed narcotics and cocaine supplied by Mexican cartels.
How the Cocaine Allegedly Moved Into Philadelphia
According to federal court filings, Jones and Basley operated the organization as high-ranking leaders, distributing bulk cocaine supplied by Mexican cartels throughout the Philadelphia region. The ten defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The organization allegedly distributed bulk cocaine supplied by Mexican cartels throughout the Philadelphia region. The case followed a years-long investigation.
Jones Received a Presidential Commutation
Federal court records show Jones received a Presidential commutation in April 2022. Basley is among the ten defendants charged in the case.
Under 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A), federal convictions involving five kilograms or more of powder cocaine carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison up to life imprisonment, according to guidance published by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Federal-Local Coordination
The case involved federal prosecutors, FBI agents, and Philadelphia police officials.
Mayor Cherelle Parker released a five-part plan for Kensington in April 2024 to end its open-air drug market, including a law-enforcement component, as detailed by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
