Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the arrest of a Philadelphia man and the seizure of 11 firearms and a significant amount of drugs in connection with a trafficking operation, Your Content has learned.
Justin Pearcy, a 36-year-old Philadelphia resident, faces multiple felony charges, including illegal possession of firearms and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
During the arraignment on Friday morning, bail was set at $2 million for Pearcy.
The charges stem from search warrants executed by the Office of Attorney General agents, including the Gun Violence Task Force and the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation.
The searches took place at a vehicle on Pulaski Avenue and a residence on Hunting Park Avenue in North Philadelphia.
According to Attorney General Henry, the evidence and facts gathered indicate that the residence was being used as a stash house for drug and weapons trafficking.
She emphasized the dangerous association between drug traffickers and firearms, highlighting the alarming fact that a daycare was located in the same building.
Law enforcement agents confiscated substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana from the targeted residence, which was situated on the second floor of a building with a first-floor daycare.
The street value of the seized drugs exceeds $350,000. Additionally, over $33,000 in cash was discovered at the residence.
The seized firearms included several assault-style rifles, two handguns equipped with a device that enabled fully automatic firing, and another handgun fitted with a silencer. Extended magazines and ammunition were also confiscated.
The Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office provided assistance with the vehicle stop and search.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw expressed gratitude to Attorney General Michelle Henry and all the law enforcement agencies involved in combating these crimes.
She emphasized the ongoing threat posed by guns and drugs in communities throughout Philadelphia. Commissioner Outlaw affirmed the city’s unwavering commitment to protecting its residents.
It is important to note that all charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Office.