Pittsburgh man charged with running drug operation

A Pittsburgh man has been charged with heading a gun and drug trafficking operation, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Friday.

Dennis Alexander, 28, allegedly oversaw the sale of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, Oxycodone and stolen guns.

The Office of the Attorney General worked with the New Brighton Police Department and Pittsburgh police on the investigation, which lasted 10 months.

It culminated in a search warrant conducted Jan. 21 where, authorities say, officers found drugs and a stolen gun at a property allegedly associated with Alexander.

“Dennis Alexander made a profit selling guns to criminals and poison to our communities,” Shapiro said. “Stopping Alexander and his trafficking ring is another battle won against the opioid and gun violence epidemics ravaging Pennsylvania communities.”

Alexander allegedly organized the acquisition and distribution of drugs and guns, taking orders from clients then sending his “runners” to make the deliveries, according to Shapiro’s office.

An unidentified associate of Alexander allegedly threatened an undercover agent, saying, “This is my house, if the feds hit it, I’ll know it was you,” according to Shapiro’s office.

Alexander has two prior felony drug convictions in Pennsylvania from 2016 and 2017.

He is facing charges of delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, sale or transfer of firearms and several related charges.