Delco Drug Task Force announces major drug operation takedown

Delaware County officials have announced the arrest of eight individuals in connection with the operation of a major drug trafficking organization in Delaware County.

Officials say “the arrests are the result of the most intensive undercover operation by the County’s Narcotics Task Force (NTF) in years”

The eight individuals who were arrested as a result of Operation Rat Pack are:

• Baruti Mills, 46, Upland
• Leo Davis, 47, Chester
• Gregory Young, 52, Marcus Hook
• Gregory Council, 63, Downingtown
• Kareem Bannister, 37, Chester
• Louis Stillis, 53, Upland
• Anthony Major, 53, Philadelphia
• Breon Gethers, 38, Chester

A ninth individual, 49-year-old Nakia Jeffries, is currently wanted.

All nine individuals are being charged with the operation of a corrupt organization, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy, as well as firearms charges.

The investigation began in February 2024, when members of the NTF and troopers from the DSP began investigating suspected drug trafficking activities of the defendants and their associates.

Officials identified Baruti Mills as the head of the suspected drug trafficking organization and it was determined that Mills acquired cocaine from sources in Philadelphia, among other locations.

Then in March 2024 and continuing through May 2024, members of the NTF made controlled undercover purchases of cocaine Gregory Young, who is one of Mills’ associates.

In June 2024, after an order from the Honorable Judge Megan Sullivan, from the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, members of the NTF intercepted the cell phones of the defendants and determined that each of the defendants was actively engaged in the acquisition and sale of cocaine operated by Mills.

On August 13, 2024, Delawlare County law enforcement members executed search warrants at sixteen locations and found $63,073 in cash, as well as vehicles (2015 Honda, 2020 Nissan, Maxima, 2015 Nissan Altima, 2015 Dodge Challenger, 2013 BMW, snd a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas), weapons (SCCY Handgun 9mm, Glock Gen 5 Model 19 Handgun, and a Black Sons Redman 9mm Handgun, 40 rounds 9mm ammo) narcotics (Cocaine 429.94g, and Marijuana 257g)

“Early in my tenure as District Attorney, I resolved to use every investigatory tool available to us to dismantle drug organizations operating in Delaware County. Using techniques such as wiretaps and undercover purchases, we have targeted the corrupt organizations that bring this poison into our communities, not just the individuals who sell it on our street corners. The defendants charged as a result of Operation Rat Pack are drug trade “kingpins” responsible for providing a major share of the illegal narcotics sold in our county.” The work to dismantle this organization has been difficult, tedious, and dangerous, and required an enormous investment of time and money. But I know that by dismantling this organization, we have made Delaware County a safer, healthier place in which to live,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

“I am deeply grateful to all the law enforcement groups involved in this impressive operation, including the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and the Delaware County Narcotics Task Force, as well as the Delaware State Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. And I am particularly proud of the role that the Chester Police Department played in this operation. This was intensive work that has paid dividends in making the City of Chester and Delaware County a safer community,” said City of Chester Mayor Stefan Roots.

The defendants are all currently being held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility on a $500,000 cash bail and will have hearings on August 28.

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