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An 11-month investigation by law enforcement culminated in the arrest of nine suspected members of the Crips gang, revealing a complex drug-trafficking operation centered at the Blue Face Global Hookah Lounge in North Scranton. The announcement, made Tuesday, marks a significant effort to dismantle a network that has contributed to escalating gang activity in the region.
According to the WVIA newsite, the operation yielded a substantial haul of illegal substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and thousands of pressed pills suspected to contain fentanyl. Those apprehended—ranging in age from 34 to 60—face charges that include drug trafficking, possession of illegal weapons, and corrupt organization. District Attorney Mark Powell emphasized the gravity of these offenses, underscoring the intention to pursue the maximum penalties permitted under the law.
“This investigation represents a significant blow to the Crips and their illegal activities,” Powell stated. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of local and regional law enforcement agencies, which have been working diligently to combat the rise in gang-related crime in Scranton and beyond.
The epicenter of the illegal activity was the Blue Face Global Hookah Lounge, a property with a troubled history. Formerly known as the Castle club, the location has long been associated with illicit activities. The District Attorney’s Office has petitioned to have the lounge permanently shut down, citing its role as a public nuisance and a hub for violence and drug-related crime.
Connections between the lounge’s operations and other criminal incidents, including shootings at the Diamond Club in Old Forge and a Waffle House in Scranton, underscore the far-reaching impact of the gang’s influence. Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll highlighted the ripple effects of such criminal enterprises, noting the devastation wrought on families and communities.
“Criminal elements use our own children to perpetuate their crimes,” Carroll said. “Beyond the direct victims, we see families shattered by addiction and violence, living in fear for their loved ones.”
While the arrests represent progress, officials acknowledge that eradicating gang activity requires sustained efforts. The coordinated investigation serves as both a message to criminal organizations and a beacon of hope for residents eager to see their neighborhoods freed from the grip of gang violence.
With charges pending and a petition to close the lounge underway, authorities are making it clear: Scranton will not be a haven for illegal activity. The resolve to dismantle such networks remains strong, signaling a turning point in the fight against organized crime in the region.
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