Alleged Drug Trafficking Gang Busted in North Philadelphia

Seventeen people arrested in decade-long operation out of a coffee shop

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:48pm

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Authorities have arrested 17 people for allegedly running a violent drug trafficking organization out of a North Philadelphia coffee shop called Cumberland Coffee and Snacks. The crew, led by Louis Alexander, is accused of using the shop and other businesses to sell drugs like cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, sometimes bringing violence to the neighborhood.

Why it matters

This drug trafficking operation has allegedly plagued the North Philadelphia community for over a decade, prioritizing profits over the wellbeing and safety of local residents. The bust represents a major law enforcement effort to dismantle an entrenched criminal enterprise that has caused significant harm to the neighborhood.

The details

According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, the crew used the Cumberland Coffee and Snacks shop as a front, with crack cocaine being cooked on the second floor as part of their drug distribution network. The group also utilized other businesses and homes to conduct their illegal activities, sometimes resorting to violence. In total, authorities executed 30 search warrants, seizing $116,000, 27 guns, 130 pounds of marijuana, 4 pounds of cocaine, and quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics.

  • The drug trafficking organization has been active in the North Philadelphia neighborhood since at least 2011 or 2012, according to Senior Deputy Attorney General Michael Barry.
  • The 17 individuals, including Louis Alexander, were arrested in the recent bust operation.

The players

Louis Alexander

The alleged leader of the drug trafficking organization that operated out of Cumberland Coffee and Snacks in North Philadelphia.

Dave Sunday

The Pennsylvania Attorney General who announced the bust of the drug trafficking gang.

Michael Barry

The Senior Deputy Attorney General who stated the organization has plagued the North Philadelphia neighborhood for over a decade.

Cumberland Coffee and Snacks

The coffee shop in North Philadelphia that authorities say was used as a front for the drug trafficking operation.

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What they’re saying

“This organization, without any doubt, valued their profit over human lives and the destruction of their neighborhood.”

— Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania Attorney General

“I could search through old documents I have, talking about 18th and Cumberland, Cleveland and Cumberland, and this drug trafficking organization going back to 2012, 2011 — they have been a blade on this neighborhood for well over a decade.”

— Michael Barry, Senior Deputy Attorney General

What’s next

The 17 individuals arrested, including Louis Alexander, will face charges including corrupt organization, conspiracy, and drug and gun offenses.

The takeaway

This bust represents a significant law enforcement effort to dismantle a long-standing and violent drug trafficking operation that has caused immense harm to the North Philadelphia community for over a decade. It highlights the ongoing challenges of combating entrenched criminal enterprises and the need for sustained, comprehensive strategies to improve public safety and quality of life in affected neighborhoods.