Pirro announces major drug bust near DC school
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro detailed a major Washington, D.C., drug crackdown, saying investigators uncovered cocaine dealing near a school and released images she said showed a hand-to-hand drug sale taking place just steps from a 5-year-old child.
In Texas, a man previously convicted of murder is now accused of operating what authorities described as a “full-service drug operation” near multiple schools, where surveillance allegedly captured what appeared to be teens buying narcotics, including fentanyl pills made to look like ecstasy.
The Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force served a raid warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of Appomattox Drive in Texas City on Aug. 18, following a two-month investigation. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team carried out the tactical entry.
Jahml McDonald, 50, of Texas City, identified by investigators as the focus of the probe, was taken into custody and charged with two felony controlled-substance offenses, the sheriff’s office said.
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Authorities in Galveston County said they recovered roughly one kilogram of brightly colored fentanyl pills during a raid on an alleged drug operation located near several schools, with the pills reportedly designed to resemble ecstasy. (Galveston County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators reported seizing about one kilogram of fentanyl pills, as well as THC wax, marijuana, THC vape products, promethazine and dozens of liquor bottles.
According to the sheriff’s office, the fentanyl tablets were brightly colored and “disguised to resemble ecstasy/MDMA pills,” giving them the appearance of recreational party drugs.
Jahml McDonald, 50, faces two felony drug charges after authorities raided a Texas City home after a two-month investigation. (Galveston County Sheriff’s Office)
Task force surveillance observed what appeared to be teenagers purchasing narcotics from the residence, which is near Giles Middle School, College of the Mainland and two local elementary schools, according to FOX 26.
“This is a full-service drug operation, including the ability to pay with credit card,” Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli said. “This is a convenience store for poison that was taken down.”
Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick said McDonald previously served 25 years for a murder conviction and was out on bond in a pending marijuana case at the time of his arrest.
Galveston County authorities seized approximately one kilogram of fentanyl pills that investigators said were brightly colored and disguised to resemble ecstasy or MDMA. (Galveston County Sheriff’s Office)
Cusick pledged to seek the maximum prosecution available.
“This offender needs the full attention of my office,” Cusick said. “This person has a criminal history, a murder conviction, drug convictions and (is) now peddling these type of substances on a house near a college, a community college, two elementary schools within walking distance. This is outrageous.”
Residents living near the Appomattox Drive home said they had noticed heavy vehicle and foot traffic around the residence.
“Every time I came by, there was traffic, traffic, traffic,” neighbor Donald Moore told FOX 26. “Teenagers jumping out, running to the house. … I know eventually, with all of this traffic and with all the drugs being dealt, the next thing is gonna happen is gunfire. Somebody’s gonna get hurt or killed.”
A judge upheld a combined $2 million bond for McDonald, with $1 million set on each charge, according to FOX 26.
