Police Make Several Arrests During North Hills Drug Investigation

SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Several arrests were made this morning in the North Hills as local law enforcement agencies joined forces in a drug investigation.

Officers with the District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Task Force say they went after 22 alleged drug dealers.

Among those taken into custody Friday morning was David Barie, an Allegheny County 911 dispatcher. He's accused of dealing marijuana and prescription drugs to an undercover officer.

Barie is also the son of Reserve Township Comissioner David Barie.

Shaler Township Police Chief Jeff Gally says given Barie's position with the county, it was especially important to bring him in.

"He's selling drugs, which is everything police are against and he's dispatching and sometimes has policemen's lives in his hands," said Chief Gally. "He's the main connection between the safety of police officers. That's a very heavy concern of mine and everyone involved here."

Officials say almost all of the 22 accused drug dealers were arrested during the round up.

Building a case against each of the individuals took over a year, but Chief Gally says the time spent on the investigation was well worth it.

"They're street-level, mid-level, high-level dealers. They've been bringing a lot of heroin and crack cocaine and a lot of prescription drugs to our area," he said. "It's certainly going to help a lot to get these people off the streets."

Behind the arrests were officers from all over Allegheny County working together under the District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Task Force.

Chief Gally says the joint effort and cooperation helped to get drugs off the streets and make these neighborhoods a little safer.

"Cooperation was tremendous," he added. "This is what we need to do."

The people arrested this morning were taken from the Shaler Police Department straight to arraignment. Many are facing felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver.

RELATED LINKS:
Allegheny County District Attorney's Office
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