At a press conference in Philadelphia, U.S. Attorney David Metcalf announced the indictment of 33 alleged members of the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), accused of operating a violent drug ring in the Kensington area. The indictment charges these individuals with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and other related offenses.
According to authorities, from January 2016 through October 2025, the Weymouth DTO distributed fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine primarily on the 3100 block of Weymouth Street—an area described as one of Philadelphia’s most active open-air drug markets. The group’s activities also extended to nearby locations including F Street and Clementine Street, E Street and Wishart Street, and Potter Street.
The indictment alleges that members of the organization used violence—including shootings, murder, and assaults—to maintain control over their territory. They are also accused of retaliating against witnesses who cooperated with law enforcement and targeting rival groups.
Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, known as “Flaco,” is identified as the leader of the DTO. He allegedly authorized others to sell drugs on his block in exchange for payment and protected his organization through threats or acts of violence. Ramon Roman-Montanez (“Viejo”) is described as managing street-level operations by organizing shift schedules for sellers and overseeing proceeds. Nancy Rios-Valentin is also named as a leader responsible for scheduling shifts and handling drug proceeds.
Of those charged, 24 were arrested during coordinated operations; eight were already in custody prior to today’s announcement, while one remains at large.
“Drug traffickers who poison our communities and enforce their territory through violence will face the full force of federal law,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Working alongside our state and local partners, the Department of Justice will continue to dismantle these criminal networks, hold violent offenders accountable, and restore safety to neighborhoods that have suffered for far too long. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Metcalf, the FBI, and every prosecutor and agent whose dedication made today’s action possible.”
“This indictment is, by defendant, the largest federal case of this century prosecuted by our office and it attacks the very heart of the opioid crisis in the neighborhoods of Kensington,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “We are committed to returning these neighborhoods to their residents and reclaiming them from drug dealers who profit from the misery of others.”
“Today, even more criminals are off the streets because of the diligent work of the FBI and our partners,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Over 30 people have been charged for their alleged role in drug trafficking and dozens of other offenses. These individuals were charged with distributing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine on one of the most prolific drug blocks in Philadelphia. They were members of a violent drug trafficking organization and used violence to enforce their territory and sell drugs that poison our city streets and community. The FBI will continue our work to put an end to drug trafficking and violence in our cities.”
“There is no question our streets are safer today because of the tireless dedication and diligence of numerous federal, state, and local partners, but our work is not done,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners at every level, will continue to serve our citizens by pursuing the dangerous offenders who shatter our communities’ sense of safety, security, and quality of life.”
“Today’s actions were the culmination of a deliberate, patient, and highly coordinated investigation into a violent criminal enterprise operating on and around Weymouth Street in Kensington,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “This group pumped fentanyl into a community already hurting, and they used violence to protect their business. Thank you to our state and federal partners who continue to show up in Philadelphia not as visitors but as teammates: FBI Director Patel, U.S. Attorney Metcalf, FBI Philly SAC Jacobs and his team, the DEA, the Attorney General’s Office, and to our own DC Jim Kelly and the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Narcotics Bureau who did the hard work to get us here. This is One Philly in action – exactly the model Mayor Parker has demanded from day one: not turf battles, not silos but agencies standing shoulder-to-shoulder around a single mission: protecting the people of this city.”
The case falls under PSN Recon—a new intelligence program launched this year by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District—which aims for collaboration among federal/state agencies targeting violent actors within Philadelphia communities.
The investigation was led by agents from both federal (FBI) and local law enforcement, including support from DEA officials as well as Pennsylvania’s Office of Attorney General.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Solow and Jason Grenell are prosecuting this case.
Authorities emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
