Federal prosecutors say the organization moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Mexico and distributed millions of dollars’ worth each month.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Ten people have been charged in a federal investigation targeting an alleged Philadelphia-based cocaine trafficking organization that authorities say obtained large shipments from Mexico and distributed the drug across Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf announced the charges Wednesday alongside FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. Prosecutors allege the Jones-Basley Drug Trafficking Organization operated from 2024 through 2026 and obtained more than 300 kilograms of cocaine from a supplier in Mexico. Authorities said the organization moved an estimated $5 million to $10 million worth of cocaine into the Philadelphia area each month.
Federal prosecutors identified Gregory Jones, 48, of Philadelphia, and Edward Basley, 47, of Wayne, as the alleged leaders of the organization. Both men are charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more. Jones also faces a charge involving alleged cocaine distribution near an elementary school, while Basley faces an additional firearm charge.
The eight other defendants charged with cocaine conspiracy offenses are Shawn Bell, 54, of Cheltenham; Jabari Savage, 46, of Philadelphia; Renard Brown, 43, of Philadelphia; Jermaine Singleton, 52, of Philadelphia; Farid Haddad, 48, of Philadelphia; David McField, 43, of Philadelphia; Orenthial Bailey, 50, of Temple, Texas; and Eduard Amador, 38, of Manassas, Virginia. Five defendants were arrested by the FBI on Tuesday, while authorities said the other five were already being held in state or federal custody.
Prosecutors allege Jones obtained bulk quantities of cocaine through a supplier in Mexico and arranged for shipments to travel from the U.S.-Mexico border to the Philadelphia area in tractor-trailers. Authorities said Jones would meet drivers in parking lots in and around Philadelphia to collect shipments and make payments before cocaine was distributed further through the alleged organization.
One of the largest seizures came in late May, when the Tennessee Highway Patrol stopped a tractor-trailer outside Knoxville that authorities said was headed toward Philadelphia. Officials said investigators found about 89 kilograms, nearly 200 pounds, of cocaine in the truck. Bailey, one of the defendants in the federal case, was identified by prosecutors as the driver. Authorities said seizures linked to the broader investigation totaled more than $17 million worth of cocaine, including more than $8 million worth seized in Philadelphia.
Authorities said the investigation also resulted in the seizure of several firearms. Metcalf described Jones and Basley as high-level alleged suppliers whose connections and trafficking infrastructure would be difficult for a drug organization to replace. Prosecutors said many of the defendants have previous drug trafficking convictions, though the current charges are separate allegations that must be proven in court.
The charges announced Wednesday include allegations only, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Prosecutors said defendants charged in the case could face up to life in federal prison if convicted, though any sentence would be determined by a judge based on federal law and the circumstances of each defendant’s case.
The investigation involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, FBI Philadelphia, Philadelphia police and other law enforcement partners. Federal officials said the investigation remains active and that additional arrests are possible as authorities continue examining the alleged trafficking network.
Author note: Last updated September 23, 2026.