FBI still searching for 2 local suspects in national drug ring

FREE APPS | NOW | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

• MUST-SEE: Prince's junior high basketball photo goes viral
• Get ready for PEEPS-flavored milk
• You have to check out this senior prank for the ages
• PHOTOS: 'Miami Vice' star Don Johnson lists Calif. mansion for $14.9M
• Seth Rogen denies report his old office stinks of pot

PITTSBURGH -- Federal agents said Thursday that they arrested 14 people in connection with a cross country drug ring, but they continue to search for two local men who are also wanted for their involvement.

Agents identified the two men as William Blair, of New Kensington, and James McCray, of Pittsburgh.

An undercover operation was launched by the FBI two years ago and intercepted cocaine shipments traveling from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh.

The cocaine and heroin drug ring targeted East End neighborhoods, including Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg and Homewood.

“The law abiding citizens of Homewood deserve to be free from fear of violent activity and drug trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that they have that freedom,” said U.S. Attorney David Hickton.

On Thursday, Hickton announced the arrest of 14 more defendants as part of a large drug crackdown in connection with operation Safe Streets.

Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay commended the level of assistance received from federal authorities, but urged residents to get involved with helping to keep neighborhoods safe.

“As powerful as this partnership is, we can’t do it alone. We desperately require the active engagement with and participation of the people of the city of Pittsburgh, and I’m very excited about the relationships that are forming in this neighborhood as well,” said McLay.

Federal agents told Channel 11’s Rick Earle that they met with residents of Homewood back in October and plan to periodically check back to make sure all is well within the community.

In total, 54 people have already been charged for connection to the drug ring.

WPXI