A multi-agency investigation into an alleged drug distribution network led to the arrests of four people and the seizure of narcotics and firearms on Monday.
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The investigation began in January and looked at 35-year-old Vo Thu, of Philadelphia. Thu was distributing controlled substances throughout Bucks and Philadelphia counties, law enforcement officials said.
The probe involved the Pennsylvania State Police, Middletown Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Authorities identified three additional suspects accused of supplying Thu. They were identified in court records as Tuan J. Ricca, 52, and Summer Kim, 27, both of Philadelphia, and Soksan Hao, 45, of Glassboro, New Jersey, police said.
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The three-month investigation included undercover drug purchases, surveillance, and traffic stops.
The four have been charged, but court papers noted that others may have been involved in the ring.
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On Monday afternoon, state police executed simultaneous search warrants at homes in Philadelphia on 4th Street, South Myrtlewood Street, and South Dover Street.
In a statement, Middletown Township authorities said a search warrant was also executed at a home in New Jersey.
During the raids, several adults and minors were detained as investigators collected evidence for the case.
Police said that investigators recovered 40 pounds of marijuana, 950 grams of cocaine, 1,000 suspected fentanyl pills, 141 Xanax pills, 200 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, $31,044 in cash, three guns, ammunition, suspected THC oil, a 2021 Ford Raptor pick-up truck, a dozen high-end designer handbags, and numerous pieces of suspected drug-related paraphernalia.
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Troopers and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office obtained warrants to search financial accounts, several vehicles, and cellular phones belonging to the suspects.
The four defendants were charged Monday night with multiple offenses, including corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, and criminal use of a communication facility. Thu faces additional charges related to the prohibited possession of a firearm.
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At a preliminary arraignment before on-call District Judge Brian M. Marriott, Thu, Hao, Ricca, and Kim were remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility after failing to post bail.
Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
