A "Dragon" heroin ring accused of selling $7.8 million worth of heroin and $1.9 million in cocaine Blair and Cambria counties has resulted in charges against 16 dealers.

Charges were announced today by Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Rich Consiglio, Blair County district attorney, who said the heroin labelled "Drago" was found to be more potent than other forms of the drug sold in Altoona or Johnstown.

A statewide investigating grand jury identified Damon "Fat Cat" Devine, 40, of North 60th Street, Philadelphia, as the main target of the investigation.

"Our work with District Attorney Consiglio and other state and local law enforcement agencies led to the dismantling of a major drug pipeline into Blair and Cambria counties. We will remain merciless with the dealers peddling these poisons in our communities," Shapiro said Monday.

Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro announces charges in "Dragon" heroin ring outside Blair County courthouse July 31, 2017.

"These arrests will go a long way in slowing down the availability of cocaine and heroin in Blair and Cambria counties," Consiglio said.

The investigation stemmed from a car crash in August 2016, in which Devine was a passenger. The driver fled from state police trying to pull the vehicle over for traffic violations, leading them on a chase between Philadelphia and Montgomery County at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

Police found 3,750 heroin baggies stamped "Dragon" in the vehicle, along with 127 grams of cocaine and other evidence.

Nine days after his arrest, Devine posted bail and continued to operate his drug organization, and undercover officers made a series of controlled drug buys from his associates.

In all, investigators seized 14,890 bags of heroin with an estimated street value of nearly $150,000 during their probe, in addition to nearly half a pound of cocaine.

In addition to Devine, the following defendants are charged with possessing with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiracy and related charges: