22 arrested in Coraopolis heroin bust

Authorities arrested 22 people early Wednesday in Coraopolis, the culmination of a three-month heroin investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration officials said.

“The trafficking and abuse of opioids and heroin is a danger to all of our communities,” said Gary Tuggle, special agent in charge in the DEA's Philadelphia Field Division. “Today's operation is a direct response to this threat, and DEA will continue to work to improve the safety of our neighborhoods by working with our counterparts.”

Five women and 17 men were arrested in the joint operation with Coraopolis police, which targeted heroin distribution in the Coraopolis and Moon areas. The charges related to the sale, distribution and delivery of heroin.

The operation was part of the DEA's 360 Strategy. The program seeks to partner with prevention and treatment centers across Western Pennsylvania to connect drug users with treatment.

The strategy works with doctors, pharmacists and prescription drug manufacturers to encourage responsible prescribing practices and to increase awareness of how opioid painkiller abuse can lead to addiction.

“Heroin has become a major problem in cities across this country, and DEA's 360 Strategy is an excellent opportunity for law enforcement to support prevention and treatment programs,” said Coraopolis police Chief Ronald Denbow. “My department will continue to work with our federal partners and take an aggressive approach to combating the current heroin epidemic.”

A report released Monday by the DEA showed the rate of overdose deaths in Allegheny County last year was nearly double the national average, and heroin was present in the toxicology reports of 60 percent of the 393 overdose deaths in 2015.

Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer.