Casey asks Department of Justice for help to fight drugs and gangs in Eastern Pennsylvania

    In response to an assessment by the National Drug Intelligence Center, Sen. Bob Casey is reaching out the federal government to help fight gangs and drugs in Eastern Pennsylvania.

    Casey wrote to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder about the Eastern Pennsylvania Drug and Gang Threat Assessment 2011.

    Calling the problem a “regional crisis that can’t be ignored,” Casey included in the letter findings from the NDIC report:

    There are at least 20 nationally recognized gangs in the region, and each one is active in drug distribution.
    In Philadelphia and Reading, Mexican DTOs dominate the wholesale cocaine market through a direct supply of cocaine from the Southwest border.

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    The NDIC predicts violence against law enforcement will increase since gangs use firearms to carry out crimes.

    Casey wants additional assistance from the Department of Justice to help local law enforcement combat these issues.

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