Cocaine bust

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After more than two years of investigating, authorities arrested 33 including a local for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking ring throughout Philadelphia, Montgomery and Chester counties.

Karl Myers, 36, of the 900 block of South 15th Street, was charged with corrupt organization, intent to deliver and delivery of cocaine, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of telecommunication facilities, dealing in the proceeds of criminal activities June 14, Rebecca W. Strubel, the assistant district attorney assigned to the case said.

Myers was allegedly a customer of Anthony Dennis, 39, of Montgomery County, according to a Montgomery County Office of the District Attorney press release. Dennis ran Heads Up Hair Studio in Wayne when police began the investigation in November 2008. By February ’10, authorities believed Dennis and his brother, Michael Dennis, 34, of Fishtown, were distributing large quantities of cocaine to dealers and individuals. Two months later, the court approved the wiretapping of the Dennis brothers’ phones including two of Michael’s.

Through the wiretaps, detectives allegedly learned of a deal occurring at a Target parking lot near City Avenue May 18, according to the press release. Anthony Dennis is believed to have planned to purchase 9 ounces of cocaine from Samuel Marshall, who police believe to be Dennis’ cocaine source. Marshall, 35, of North Philly, allegedly approached Dennis’ automobile in the parking lot. Detectives arrested both men and recovered 9 ounces of cocaine from Marshall’s sock and his cell phone, as well as Dennis’ cell phone and $9,200 from the car.

As the duo was arrested, 72 officers simultaneously raided 21 locations in the three counties seizing 4 pounds of cocaine, cutting agents, scales, 14 vehicles, a boat, $76,308, 12 firearms and 2 bullet-proof vests, according to the press release.

Of those locations, four were in the city. They included Myers’, Marshall’s and Dennis’ homes, as well as Myers’ West Philly business, Strubel said. 

Myers has been convicted and jailed four times for drug possession charges within the past two decades, according to court records.

Lutz was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and recklessly endangering another person.  SPR

Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.

Also in this week’s Police Report:
Flash mobber sentenced
NFL player arrested on South Street
Attacked by a former flame
Bar slugger
Drug rage

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