‘F ing Goldmine:’ 35 Arrested, 5 Pounds Of Cocaine Seized In PA Cocaine Crackdown, DA Says
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said Tuesday, July 1, that 35 individuals have been charged in relation to three Norristown-based cocaine and crack cocaine narcotics trafficking organizations.
In relation to three Norristown-based cocaine and crack cocaine drug trafficking groups, 35 individuals have been charged.
The arrests come after a months-long investigation known as Operation Cocaine Goldmine, which started in late 2024 after investigators saw a rise in cocaine due to declining wholesale prices but a decrease in fentanyl use.
According to a recorded discussion included in court filings, one suspected trafficker, Jerome Berry, referred to Norristown as a “f ing crack and coke mine” and “a f ing goldmine.”
Those accused include alleged ring leaders:
- Terrell Bailey, 50, Norristown
- Jerome Berry, 32, Norristown
- Malik Noel, 49, Philadelphia
- Oscar Gordon, 37, Norristown
- Donta Wells, 40, Eagleville
More than seven pounds of cocaine and crack, $138,000 in cash, and 17 weapons were seized as a result of the investigation, Steele said. The defendants are charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver, corrupt organizations, and other offenses.
According to Steele, this takedown is a deliberate attempt to purge Norristown of this criminal group that will not be allowed in our county seat.
Magisterial District Judge Patrick O. Krouse has scheduled preliminary hearings for the seven defendants who are still wanted as of Tuesday. Among them are:
- Jerome Berry is being held on $500,000 cash bail
- Malik Noel has bail set at $1,000,077
- Oscar Gordon is being held on $99,000, 10% bail
The DEA, FBI, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office were among the federal and local partners in the raid, according to the prosecution.
Attorney General Dave Sunday stated that these arrests will rid our neighborhoods of toxins while also perhaps averting violent crimes that are frequently associated with the drug trade.
