Montgomery County DA Nets 35 in Major Norristown Cocaine Bust

A months-long investigation called Operation Cocaine Goldmine has led to the arrest of 35 individuals involved in three major drug trafficking organizations in Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The crackdown was prompted by a sharp decline in wholesale cocaine prices, which dealers exploited to flood the streets with cocaine and crack cocaine, leading to increased drug sales and violence. Authorities seized seven pounds of cocaine and crack, more than $138,000, and 17 firearms during the operation. Key suspects, including Jerome Berry, Terrell Bailey, Oscar Gordon, Donta Wells, and Malik Noel, face charges such as racketeering, conspiracy, and drug offenses. The investigation utilized wiretaps, surveillance, controlled buys, and GPS tracking, with cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies including the DEA, FBI, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Officials emphasized that the arrests aim to disrupt the drug trade and reduce violence in the Norristown community, warning others that law enforcement efforts will continue aggressively.