The Keystone State is known for many things. Philadelphia played a major role in the American Revolution and its rich history lives on today.
On the other side of the state is Pittsburgh, the “Steel City” known in the past for its tough, blue-collar workforce. In between, Pennsylvania boasts vast areas of forest for which it got its name. While the state has many notable things that make it special, it is not exempt from the drug trade.
The Biggest & Weirdest Drug Busts in PA
Pennsylvania authorities are no stranger to drug dealers, drug smugglers, and the drug trade game. Every year it seems that drug distribution gets weirder, but authorities quickly catch on. The result has been some major drug busts in Pennsylvania including a few crazy stories. Our drug rehab center in Philadelphia, PA is going over some of the most outrageous drug busts in Pennsylvania that will have you scratching and shaking your head.A Strange Guard Dog
Many drug dealers worry about security, but most just buy a rottweiler, pit bull, or German shepherd to help protect their stash. A drug bust in South Coatesville, Pennsylvania revealed a large stash of crack cocaine, heroin, cash, and one guard gator. Hanging out in the kitchen, a three-foot alligator nicknamed El Chompo by police was caught red handed. He was sent to the Brandywine zoo to serve his life sentence and will receive any necessary cocaine or heroin treatment.1Don’t Rock the Boat
Philadelphia is a big port for international drug trade. Drug cartels and smugglers consistently transport drugs on ships in and out of this area. While drug busts are common, in June of 2019, Pennsylvania authorities nailed what is believed to be the biggest cocaine bust in the history of the United States. A JP Morgan cargo ship smuggled cocaine into the port and was found to be carrying over $1.3 billion dollars worth of the illegal stimulant drug.Reading into It
This strange drug bust in Pennsylvania includes books, inmates, and synthetic cannabinoids. In 2018, the PA Department of Corrections caught on to an alleged drug smuggling scheme that included sending drugs in books to inmates in prison. In response, the department quickly banned books sent to prisoners and hired a company to scan all incoming mail. This ban came after several prison staff members throughout the state became sick from what was believed to be exposure to synthetic cannabinoids. Some people believe this mass sickness was all in the prison staffs’ heads.1 Whether or not this was a big drug smuggling scheme or a single incidence is still unknown, but it’s certainly a story for the books.The Amish, A Motorcycle Gang, & Cocaine
The Amish have large numbers in Pennsylvania and although this community rejects modern technology, drugs have still made their way into this tight-knit community. A famous Amish drug bust included charging two Amish men for dealing cocaine to not just their community members, but a local motorcycle gang as well, making it one of Pennsylvania’s most outrageous drug busts.Unfortunately, these outrageous drug busts in Pennsylvania will not be the last as the drug trade continues. If you or someone you care about has a drug problem, get help. Our IOP in Philadelphia helps people regain control over their addictions.
To get started or to get more information about our services at Banyan Philadelphia, call us today at 888-280-4763.
Sources & References:
- Centre Daily Times- Guard alligator ‘El Chompo’ protected drugs for Pennsylvania dealers, prosecutors say
- The Philadelphia Inquirer- prisons spend $15M after guards were sickened by K2. But what if it was just in their heads?
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
