Six men will go to trial for first carfentanil case in Allegheny Co. history

PITTSBURGH — The cases against six men charged in the first carfentanil case in Allegheny County history will go to trial.

Tuesday, they all appeared in court for their preliminary hearings.

The powerful drug is also known as an elephant tranquilizer and is 10,000 times more powerful than morphine. One drop of it can kill a person.

Investigators testified today it was mixed with heroin and fentanyl obtained during undercover drug buys. They built their case through a series of undercover cash buys of heroin and carfentanil involving each suspect.

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Channel 11 questioned the men charged with selling $750,000 worth of heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil on area streets made their way into the Magistrate's Office in Turtle Creek.

Only the alleged ringleader, Deondray Beasley, had anything to say to our cameras.

“I ain't got nothing to say man. I'm innocent. That's all I've got to say,” Beasley said.

Spanning more than a year, investigators conducted undercover buys and surveillance on the suspected dealers in parts of Pittsburgh, Braddock, Munhall and more.

They claim some of the users didn't know they were buying heroin laced with the dangerous drug.

All of the charges against the six men were held for court, including those against Rand Wolford.

His attorney spoke to Channel 11 after the hearing.

“We believe we found some information out and at the trial the defendant will be found not guilty,” Angela Carsia said.

Another suspect, James Wells, walked into court Tuesday afternoon eating pizza, but he left in handcuffs.

He's facing new charges from an outstanding warrant.

Cox Media Group