Seven individuals, including six from Philadelphia and one from Norristown, have been arrested for their roles in a gun and drug trafficking organization.
The group allegedly bought firearms, removed serial numbers, and sold them illegally alongside methamphetamine and other drugs.
Key Takeaways:
- Seven individuals from Philadelphia and Norristown were arrested for running a gun and drug trafficking ring.
- The group illegally bought and sold 19 firearms and distributed various illegal drugs, including methamphetamine.
- The arrests followed an investigation sparked by suspicious behavior at the Oaks Gun Show.
Seven Charged in Gun and Drug Trafficking
Law enforcement officials in Montgomery County have announced the arrest of seven individuals involved in a major gun and drug trafficking organization.
The group, which included six people from Philadelphia and one from Norristown, allegedly bought firearms, removed serial numbers, and sold them to individuals prohibited from owning guns.
Additionally, they were involved in the sale of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine.
Investigation Launched After Gun Show
The investigation began when members of the organization attended the Oaks Gun Show and exhibited suspicious behavior while purchasing multiple firearms.
Law enforcement officials tracked the group’s activities from January 19, 2023, to February 26, 2024, discovering they had illegally bought and sold 19 firearms across Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties.
These firearms were purchased by Scott Grondin, who was legally prohibited from buying or possessing them.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
On May 6, 2024, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and Captain James Cuttitta of the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Investigative Division announced the arrests.
The individuals charged are Scott Grondin, 42; Bella Kenna, 21; Anthony Figueroa-Marko, 34; Emanuel Torres, 32; Asad Sayed, 27; and Felicia McKinnell, 28, all from Philadelphia, along with Christopher McNelly, 26, from Norristown.
Firearms and Drug Trafficking Activities
Officials stated that the group’s operation was based on a home on the 2300 block of North 9th Street in North Philadelphia, where Grondin, Kenna, and Figueroa-Marko lived and managed their illegal activities.
The group was not only involved in gun trafficking but also in drug distribution.
An investigation that began in May 2023 revealed the group sold various illegal drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, prescription pills, and marijuana, in Montgomery County and surrounding areas.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The charges against the individuals included corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and firearms offenses.
Grondin, identified as the organization’s leader, faced 216 charges. Preliminary hearings for Grondin, Kenna, Sayed, Figueroa-Marko, and Torres occurred at noon on May 7, 2024.
McKinnell’s hearing occurred at 10 a.m. on May 14, 2024, while McNelly’s hearing was continued by the defense and was in the process of being rescheduled.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele’s office stated, “The investigation revealed that these individuals were heavily involved in both gun and drug trafficking. The obliteration of serial numbers on the firearms points to a deliberate effort to obscure the origin of the weapons, making them untraceable and more dangerous.”
Captain James Cuttitta added, “The suspects took advantage of gun shows to purchase multiple firearms illegally. This bust is a significant step in curbing illegal gun and drug activities in our region.”
The bust underscores the importance of collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the thorough investigative work needed to dismantle organized criminal activities.
