Over 20 residents of neighboring Lawrence and Mercer Counties have been indicted on charges of violating federal drug trafficking laws.
According to U.S. Department of Justice officials, a total of 25 defendants were arrested for trafficking drugs such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
DOJ officials also say that two people have still not been arrested. Forrest Gilmore, 25 of New Castle, and Jermall Johnson, 24 of Erie, are both being actively sought out by authorities. A spokesperson says the two are considered dangerous.
Multiple law enforcement agencies cooperated on this year-long investigation which included distribution of drugs in protected areas such as playgrounds, schools, and public housing facilities.
Defendants from Sharon, Hermitage, Grove City, Mercer, New Castle, and Farrell could face between one and 40 years in prison.