Pittsburgh officers honored for busting cocaine ring

PITTSBURGH — Several Pittsburgh police officers that helped bust a cocaine ring operating out of the Luxury River Vue Apartments were honored Friday for their work.

Police said Andy Brown, along with others, allegedly operated an elaborate cocaine ring on the top floor of the apartments that overlook Point State Park.

Officials said those involved would drive money in suitcases to California to buy drugs, then ship them through the mail to addresses throughout Pittsburgh. The packages would be taken to the apartment complex and distributed to local dealers.

The Pittsburgh police received a tip about suspicious activity at the apartment complex and began an investigation.

Brown and Duane Ferguson were arrested. Investigators suspect they operated the drug ring for nearly two years.

The officers that helped with the investigation received a special award for outstanding performance in law enforcement.

“Our guys did an outstanding job, a cooperative effort. It shows what happens when law-enforcement agencies work together,” said Dave Battiste, DEA assistant agent.

Brown and Ferguson were indicted by a federal grand jury. The investigation into the cocaine ring is ongoing.

Former Pittsburgh police chief Cam McLay also lived at the apartment complex during the operation.

Cox Media Group