According to Attorney General Michelle Henry, a man from New York has been arrested in Pennsylvania with an alarming amount of fentanyl. The quantity of the dangerous drug was so massive that it could have potentially killed the entire population of Pittsburgh.
A 27-year-old man named Yan Carlos Pichardo Cepeda, hailing from New York, was apprehended in Pittsburgh during his travel from New York. Authorities found nine kilograms, approximately 20 pounds, of fentanyl in his possession. This amount equates to almost 450,000 doses, which could potentially wipe out Pittsburgh, a city whose population is around 304,000. The severity of the situation cannot be overstated.
According to reports, Cepeda was spotted by agents in Pittsburgh on Thursday as he arrived with a backpack and suitcase. It is alleged that he went out of his way to avoid any interaction with law enforcement and K-9 Arko. However, upon being approached by police, Cepeda consented to a search of his backpack which led to the discovery of a kilo of fentanyl. Subsequently, he was taken into custody and a further search of his suitcase uncovered the remaining drugs. This information was released by AG Henry.
Cepeda faced serious charges of possession with intent to deliver and associated offenses, all of which were classified as felonies.
Attorney General Henry expressed his gratitude towards the law enforcement agencies for their successful collaboration in removing a significant amount of potentially lethal fentanyl from the streets of Pennsylvania.
According to Henry, the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, a division of the Office of Attorney General, collaborated closely with several law enforcement agencies, including DANET, Port Authority Police, Monroeville Police, and West Mifflin Police.
According to Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr., this latest drug arrest marks the third significant bust in downtown Pittsburgh in recent months. The task force responsible for the arrest has also successfully intervened in seven other substantial drug cases in the surrounding area. The drugs seized during these operations are particularly concerning, as they are responsible for an average of two deaths per day in Allegheny County.
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