By Chuck Biedka
The Valley News-Dispatch
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Pittsburgh federal prosecutors are accusing a West Virginia man of distributing methamphetamine and cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady said Thursday that Durell Anthony Jones, 33, of Fairmont is charged in connection with drug conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
He was arrested Sunday morning in Butler County.
According to court papers, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents were watching for drug activity along Route 422 and Interstate 79.
Agents allegedly saw Jones at a travel plaza, where, they say, he parked a car with West Virginia plates at the rear of a Pilot Gas station near a tractor-trailer with California registration. He did something near the trunk while a female passenger went into the station. She came out, and Jones was next seen driving onto Interstate 79 southbound.
In court papers, agents said Jones’ behavior was “consistent with the behavior of drug traffickers exchanging drugs and trying to elude law enforcement.”
A state trooper pulled Jones over for a having a window tint too dark for Pennsylvania law and the trooper found out Jones is wanted by Michigan authorities. The car isn’t registered to Jones.
According to the complaint, police found about 55.5 kilograms of meth and about 4.58 kilograms of cocaine. The meth and cocaine were in the trunk in four separate duffle bags, investigators said.
According to court papers, Jones told troopers and agents he knew there were drugs in the trunk but he didn’t know what kind. He also allegedly said he was supposed to deliver the drugs to Morgantown.
The government is alleging Jones delivered more than 500 kilograms of meth and 500 kilograms of cocaine.
Jones was ordered jailed without bond.
Brady said the arrest is significant.
“This is the largest seizure of methamphetamine in the history of Western Pennsylvania. Through the hard work of our federal, state and local partners, over 122 pounds of methamphetamine and 10 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $2.5 million, have been taken off the street. We have disrupted a major narcotics trafficking organization,” Brady said.