Philly woman, 21, accused of running fentanyl operation in Kensington

A young woman was arrested and charged for her alleged role in a fentanyl trafficking operation in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood.

Jada Williams, 21, was arrested on Tuesday, May 14, following a five-month investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Southeast Strike Force, officials announced.

Officials said an undercover officer bought drugs from Williams on three separate occasions which ultimately led to a search warrant being executed at her home on the 3100 block of Kensington Avenue. During the search, officials recovered around 1,100 packets of fentanyl as well as crack cocaine, narcotics packaging supplies and loaded handguns, according to investigators.

Officials described the drug bust as mid-level.

"It's the kind of case that people see in their neighborhood that brings violence and destruction and brings the kind of unwanted activities that they don't want to keep in the neighborhoods when they want their kids to go out on the sidewalk and play," Paul Reddel, the Dangerous Drug Offenders Unit Supervisor with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, said during a Thursday afternoon press conference.

Williams is charged with manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, conspiracy, intentional possession of a controlled substance, violation of the uniform firearms act and other related offenses.

Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 29, 2024.

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During the press conference, officials said they wanted to grow the Dangerous Drug Offenders Unit into a full department with a focus on convicting dealers who don't stand out on corners selling drugs but instead distribute large amounts to other drug dealing operations.

"That person is not selling to drug addicts. That person is selling in bundles," Reddel said. "She's clearly selling. In this case the defendant was selling to another dealer."

District Attorney Larry Krasner said the unit will focus on corners and residences where drugs are sold, also known as trap houses.

"It is going to take down the operations that are employing all those kids on the corner," Krasner said. "This is an example. Very important."