Drug charges for four at site of cockfighting

Police conducting a drug investigation at two homes in Philadelphia's Hunting Park section found more than 100 birds, including roosters used for cockfighting, ducks, and a hawk, as well as 11 pit bulls, investigators said.

Also seized were about $6,000 worth of cocaine, about $100 worth of marijuana and nearly $5,000 in cash, police said. Four people were arrested on drug charges. The SPCA was investigating whether animal cruelty charges would be filed, police said.

The menagerie was discovered in cages inside one of the houses and a detached garage in the 4200 block of North Reese Street about 8 p.m. Thursday during a raid, police said. A dogfighting ring and a cockfighting ring had been found in the garage, officers said.

Officers from the city's Narcotics Field Unit were assisting state police earlier in the day when they purchased a quantity of cocaine. Police returned to one of the houses that evening to execute a search warrant, investigators said.

Arrested were Miguel Mantilla, 44; Carmen Soto, 47; Nelson Dejesus, 36, and Marvin Soto, 18. All were listed as residents of the two homes. They were charged with manufacturing and possession of narcotics with intent to deliver and related offenses.

Officer James Dumas of the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association said workers from his agency and the SPCA removed 107 birds, the majority of them fighting cocks as well as 32 hens, about 20 ducks and a hawk. Seven adult pit bulls used for fighting and four pit bull pups were also removed.

Dumas said the animals were found in cages inside the house and the garage.

The fighting roosters would be euthanized because they cannot be kept with other birds, Dumas said. The hens, the ducks and the hawk, he said, would be put up for adoption or placed in other facilities.

Dumas said the puppies would be put up for adoption and the adult dogs would likely be put down.

"In that area, there is an ongoing problem with cockfighting," said Dumas, adding that spring and summer are peak seasons for the illegal fights.