"They were dealt in an interesting way here. (The drugs) were inserted into composition books. You know, the kind you do your homework on," said Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
The district attorney alleges that two men, 32-year-old Shafeeq Coleman and 26-year-old Noah Simmons, were selling marijuana and crack cocaine. They are said to have used two convenience stores as their headquarters along the 1900 block of 54th Street.
Investigators say Coleman and Simmons sold drugs to undercover cops multiple times.
"You would call them at home and they'd go in the store and the transaction would happen inside the store," said Assistant District Attorney Keion Cook.
After search warrants of the home were executed, police say they found drugs, including 1.5 kilos of marijuana, and crack cocaine, as well as seven high-powered guns.
The tip to investigators came in from City Hall.
"Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson spoke to us and approached us about what she saw as a growing problem in the city," said Krasner.
"I'm hopeful that this encourages the business owners who may not be in compliance to come into compliance. And be good neighbors and partners for the good businesses on the corridor," said Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Krasner and the investigators say the shopkeepers and employees of these stores were not involved in drug sales.
"They sometimes become fearful of what is going to happen there and acquiesce because they are afraid," said Krasner.
The suspects are facing a number of gun and drug charges.
Gilmore Richardson says she'll continue to push legislation against "nuisance" businesses.