Operation Cocaine Goldmine leads to 35 arrests and dismantles 3 major drug rings in Norristown.

In a sweeping law enforcement operation targeting drug trafficking in Montgomery County, authorities have arrested five high-profile cocaine suppliers as part of “Operation Cocaine Goldmine.” The initiative was prompted by a significant drop in cocaine prices this spring, leading dealers to capitalize by purchasing the narcotic in large quantities for distribution in Norristown, according to local prosecutors.

Jerome Berry, 32, who is identified in court documents as a key supplier and crack cocaine producer, articulated during intercepted phone conversations that the market was ripe for exploitation, indicating a burgeoning demand for cocaine in the area. Berry expressed concerns about younger dealers disregarding opportunities for substantial profits and drawing negative attention through violent confrontations related to gang activity.

The operation was a collaborative effort involving local, state, and federal agencies, employing extensive surveillance, wiretaps, and controlled drug buy operations. District Attorney Kevin Steele disclosed that the investigation led to the dismantling of three major distribution networks, resulting in significant arrests and seizures.

The arrested individuals include Berry, Terrell Bailey, 50, and Oscar Gordon, 37, all residents of Norristown, along with Donta Wells, 40, of Eagleville, and Malik Noel, 49, of North Philadelphia. The operation yielded substantial evidence, including the seizure of seven pounds of cocaine, over 8,000 in cash, and 17 firearms.

District Attorney Steele emphasized the brazen nature of the dealers’ activities and indicated that their apprehensions would carry significant consequences. He warned that further attempts to fill the void left by these arrests would be met with continued investigative efforts by authorities committed to eradicating drug trafficking in Montgomery County. All five individuals are currently held in custody, unable to post bail.

In addition to the main defendants, law enforcement has identified another 31 individuals connected to these drug rings, including street-level dealers, who face similar charges. The investigation originated in late 2024 after receiving crucial tips from confidential informants regarding the principal figures in the networks.

Arrest warrants were executed earlier this month in what Steele described as an essential initiative to combat persistent criminal activity within Norristown. The investigation found that the leadership of these drug syndicates closely managed supply lines and engaged in direct transactions, employing coded language to evade law enforcement scrutiny.

Despite their efforts to evade surveillance, investigative measures, including assistance from federal agencies, ultimately allowed authorities to apprehend multiple members of this extensive drug distribution operation.