According to a statement released by Attorney General Michelle Henry’s Office, Yan Carlos Pichardo Cepeda, who is 27 years old, was taken into custody by state agents and Allegheny County authorities. He was arraigned on Friday, Sept. 1, following his arrest.
According to prosecutors, Pichardo Cepeda was seen evading police officers and K9 units upon his arrival in Pittsburgh from New York. After consenting to a search of his backpack, authorities discovered a kilogram of fentanyl.
According to the AG’s Office, an additional 450,000 doses of fentanyl, weighing eight kilograms, were found in the suspect’s luggage, along with other drugs.
The stash was estimated to be worth approximately $1.6 million by authorities.
Henry praised the effective teamwork between various law enforcement agencies that resulted in the confiscation of a significant quantity of fentanyl from the streets of Pennsylvania. The dangerous drug could have led to serious consequences, but the collaborative efforts proved to be successful in eliminating the threat.
“I am thankful for the collaborations with law enforcement agencies which have enabled us to enhance our capacity to put a stop to trafficking operations and hold those unscrupulous dealers responsible for their contribution towards the opioid epidemic. The harmful effects of these substances on individuals and communities cannot be overstated, and it is imperative that we work together to combat this issue.”
District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. of Allegheny County confirms that Pichardo Cepeda’s arrest is the third significant drug bust in downtown Pittsburgh within the last few months.
According to the prosecutors, the investigation received assistance from several law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Team, Port Authority police, Monroeville police, and West Mifflin police.
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