Multiple specimens have been sent to a specialty lab in an effort to determine what is in the drugs, Santoro said. Sixto Cruz, 62; Margos Hernandez, 38; and George L. Cruz, 53, were arrested and charged with possession, possession with the intent to deliver, delivery of heroin and cocaine and criminal conspiracy. He also said the fentanyl was tested and had extremely high potency and was very dangerous, leading to the question of what is being done to ensure workers can do their jobs safely. "Then those packages and parcels were destined to come to Reading.". The blue bags seem to be the bags that contain the substances that are causing all of the overdoses in our community, Adams said. A total of twenty-three mid to high-level suspects were identified and charged with committing offenses involving violations of the PA Crimes . The female victims received payments from the customers which they would then turn over to either Rivera, Ellis or Thompson. "While incarcerated, he was using a cell phone to continue to facilitate delivery of cocaine and fentanyl here in all the counties that are represented today," Adams said. By noon Tuesday, the overdoses increased to 101, Adams said. Girl, 8, hailed a hero for actions during medical emergency, caring for baby brother, 4 retail shops opening soon in downtown Allentown, Community members address 'After School Satan Club' at Saucon Valley school board meeting, DA: Man threatened Saucon Valley School District because he was angry over After School Satan Club, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran announces reelection bid, Reading Planning Commission tables final plan for church campus, Pa. state senators announce bill that would crack down on distracted driving, Police seeking suspect in Colebrookdale robbery, kidnapping, 69 News speaks with Pa. Lt. Gov. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. The person police said ran it all? June 24, 2014, 1:44 PM. A 25-year-old Berks County man has been charged with sexual abuse of a child, along with other charges. During the raid, drugs with a street value over $500,000 were seized, along with three fully loaded firearms and a large amount of cash, Adams said. "This was a multi-million dollar drug organization with connections as far west as Los Angeles, California, as far south as Puerto Rico," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams, who announced results of the joint investigation during a news conference in Reading on Thursday. Berks County has seen more than 100 overdoses and one death since Saturday from a bad batch of drugs, Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said Tuesday afternoon, and officials are not entirely sure what is in the drugs. Berks Weekly is an independent, locally owned digital newspaper covering the latest regional news and headlines in the City of Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. The investigation involved detectives from Berks, Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties, the Reading Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Service inspectors, United States Homeland Security investigators, and the Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. The defendants were charged with committing offenses involving violations of the PA Crimes Code and the PA Controlled Substance Act, delivery of controlled substances which included bulk amounts of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, corrupt organization, and criminal use of communication facility. Officers seized 200 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl, 10.5 grams of suspected bulk cocaine, 141 bags of suspected cocaine packaged for street sales, drug packaging material. The bust was the result of a nine-month investigation which ramped up in the last 30 days, officials said at a news conference Tuesday. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. READING, Pa. (WPVI) -- A major drug ring operating in Berks County is now out of business. "The principals in the other organization were identified as Carlos Balestier-Marrero, Nelson Rivera and David Delacruz.". Crime Map; Site; Home; About Us. Officials: 3 arrested in human trafficking ring in Berks County. Bail was set at $1,000,000 for each defendant. Over 100 law enforcement officers raided those seven locations dismantling the ring in an effort designated Operation SmackDown. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. It is also part of a larger initiative by the Moran administration to ensure the community has safe streets and neighborhoods. Authorities in Bucks County have charged Christian Ochoa, 28, of Laredo, Texas, in connection with a multi-million dollar drug bust that District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said removed kilos of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from local streets. A woman was also arrested inShillington and charged. There was an error processing your request. This investigation, its subsequent arrests, and the seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs and firearms will undoubtedly make that neighborhood and our city safer said Tornielli. "It's a very significant drug bust, being the amount of narcotics that were seized, including the amount of heroin and fentanyl, especially since we're seeing an uptick in overdoses," Pentheny said. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illegal narcotics, including the extremely dangerous drug fentanyl, will not poison the residents of our city and our County. February 26, 2023 at 8:56 a.m. & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; 35 780-113(a)(31) Possession of small amount of marijuana; Source: Douglass Township Police Department. Reading, PA 19601 p. 610-478-6208. Girl, 8, hailed a hero for actions during medical emergency, caring for baby brother, 4 retail shops opening soon in downtown Allentown, Community members address 'After School Satan Club' at Saucon Valley school board meeting, DA: Man threatened Saucon Valley School District because he was angry over After School Satan Club, DA: Fentanyl a factor in increasing overdose deaths, State agents arrest Georgia man with more than 3 pounds of meth, 2020 overdose deaths highest-ever recorded in Berks, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran announces reelection bid, Reading Planning Commission tables final plan for church campus, Pa. state senators announce bill that would crack down on distracted driving, Police seeking suspect in Colebrookdale robbery, kidnapping, 69 News speaks with Pa. Lt. Gov. PHOTOS: Drug bust in Berks, Lancaster, Schuylkill counties, Girl, 8, hailed a hero for actions during medical emergency, caring for baby brother, 4 retail shops opening soon in downtown Allentown, Community members address 'After School Satan Club' at Saucon Valley school board meeting, DA: Man threatened Saucon Valley School District because he was angry over After School Satan Club, 2020 overdose deaths highest-ever recorded in Berks, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran announces reelection bid, Reading Planning Commission tables final plan for church campus, Pa. state senators announce bill that would crack down on distracted driving, Police seeking suspect in Colebrookdale robbery, kidnapping, 69 News speaks with Pa. Lt. Gov. Berks Countians agree wholeheartedly, as they've voted SMYMCA Best Summer Camp seven years in a row. | Credit: Courtesy of S.B. Statewide, DAs have raked in more than $64 million in cash using the procedure in that time. About 250 blue glassine packets each containing suspected heroin/fentanyl. Search. Tornielli said his department received complaints about illegal drug sales coming from a home in the 300 block of North 8th Street. While serving a search warrant at 419 S. 7th Street, Detectives found1,936 packets of heroin, with an estimated street value of up to $9,680, and6 bags of cocaine, with an estimated street value $120. Adams said that all of the suspects, if convicted, face substantial jail time and fines in excess of $100,000. "Despite the COVID crisis, we are still hard at work and we will arrest you if you are involved with the distributing of illegal substances, drugs in our community," said Adams. Cheryl Pentheny. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Montgomery Co. Drug Bust Yields 32 Arrests; Tip From Family Of An Addict Helped Crack Case. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. If you know the whereabouts of Sanabria or Matthew, call the Berks County detectives at 610-478-7171. The investigation revealed that many of the suspects involved were also actively engaged in their own enterprise of selling many kinds of illegal drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, and prescription pills, officials said. Collectively, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Lancaster, York, Berks, Lebanon and Lehigh counties have nearly doubled their share of forfeited cash since 2012. How Supreme Court ruling could affect how we use social media, RAW: FILE-JUSTIN BIEBER CANCELS JUSTICE WORLD TOUR DATES, Bruce Willis' wife getting help and support from dementia specialist, Bette Midler confesses to having 'some tailoring done' on her face, Prince and Princess of Wales pledge long-term support to therapy gardens, MCU star Jeremy Renner seen exercising two months after snowplough accident, Bette Midler unsure if Hocus Pocus 3 will happen. Several of the 27 suspects were arrested in a roundup early Thursday morning. Error! Nearly $300K worth of drugs seized in Berks Caitlin Rearden Jan 26, 2021 Updated Jun 2, 2022 MGN SHILLINGTON, Pa. - A drug bust has taken nearly $300,000 worth of illegal drugs off the. - . There was a problem saving your notification. This does not match the symptoms we would expect from xylazine (the horse tranquilizer), Santoro said. The arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. The overdose crisis in Berks County rages on, he said. . SPORTS. TikTok sets new default time limits for minors, Lilly plans to slash some insulin prices, expand cost cap, Finland's Parliament gives final approval for NATO bid, Metaverse in spotlight at MWC tech fair even as doubts arise, Nigerian president-elect Bola Tinubu strikes unified tone, US futures, global shares up on strong China factory data, Supreme Court hears dispute between New York and New Jersey, Here are the countries that have bans on TikTok, Turkey intends to hold elections on May 14 despite quake, What the Tech? Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. "This case is a testament to the millions of men, women, and children who are trafficked worldwide and, in every city, suburb, and town in this great commonwealth.". Two-thirds of the patients that have presented with overdose symptoms had to be hospitalized, he added. LinkedIn . "People are dying every day from overdosing on some of the substances that were confiscated in this investigation," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams. Here's what to know. BCTV is a community driven content platform. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Campers can experience a variety of activities from archery to horseback riding. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. "This large amount of fentanyl was seized at 122 Pennwyn Place, the location where Daniel Delacruz was operating from.". More than $1 million worth of meth, fentanyl and heroin were seized. TikTok sets new default time limits for minors, Lilly plans to slash some insulin prices, expand cost cap, Finland's Parliament gives final approval for NATO bid, Metaverse in spotlight at MWC tech fair even as doubts arise, Nigerian president-elect Bola Tinubu strikes unified tone, US futures, global shares up on strong China factory data, Supreme Court hears dispute between New York and New Jersey, Here are the countries that have bans on TikTok, Turkey intends to hold elections on May 14 despite quake, What the Tech? "During this investigation, troopers determined that Irizarry was associated with numerous other significant illegal drug traffickers," Adams said. The investigation did not stop there, Adams said. holds hearing for developer Atiyeh's proposed trucking terminal, Whitehall couple celebrates 75th wedding anniversary, Voting begins March 1 in What's So Cool About Manufacturing Contest. The six-month probe, dubbed "Operation Last Hurrah," culminated Wednesday morning with approximately 125 state and local law enforcement officers fanning out across the city and surrounding suburbs, armed with dozens of arrest and search warrants. There was an error processing your request. We will continue until we can stamp out the ultimate source.. NEWS. Authorities announced the arrest of 48 people during an . Detectives arrested the alleged leader of the organization, Luis Pacheco, and his main underling, Jose Antonio Torres-Rodriguez, while serving the search warrant at 343 S. 7th Street. All Rights Reserved. Early morning raids in Berks County have brought down a local drug ring responsible for selling opioids that lead to 101 people being hospitalized with overdoses in September. The district attorney said it's not a new approach, but it's on the rise again. . Berks Weekly is an independent, locally owned digital newspaper covering the latest regional news and headlines in the City of Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Authorities said they also seized six handguns, four drum-style gun magazines, more than 120 rounds of ammunition, more than $60,000 in cash, and 40 cell phones. I look at this as more of a poisoning rather than an overdose.. Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael O'Pake says the ring had been dealing drugs for years and more arrests could be coming. Search. You have permission to edit this article. Officials believe the blue bags that have been found contain heroin, fentanyl, lidocaine, xylazine and clonidine. Austin Davis about making history, why he got into public service, Historians remember folklore and legend surrounding the 'Lizzie Lincoln House', Berks History Center, NAACP discuss more inclusive exhibit opportunities, Police seek thief suspected in over a dozen burglaries at Lowe's stores, Exeter supervisors meet in relative peace, Hearing continues on proposed expansion of Bethlehem Landfill, Nazareth girl holds book drive to donate to elementary students, Lehigh Valley Legends join sports buddies program for kids, Palmer Twp. David Mekeel is a general assignment reporter for the Reading Eagle. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. FINANCE. As a result of the raid, Tornielli says investigators found 906 grams of bulk Fentanyl (street value $290,980),$6,290 bags of Fentanyl packaged for sale (street value of $62,040), 1,989 Fentanyl pills (street value of $59,670) and 300,036 grams of bulk Cocaine (street value of $36,600). He has been a journalist since 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper. PHOTOS: Suspects in Berks County drug bust. November 16, 2022 video 5 suspects, car caught on video after pistols, rifles stolen in. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Those suspects still being sought by authorities were identified as: David Ortega, Sinking Spring Carlos Martinez, 37, of Reading Joshua Rivera, 34, address unknown Jose Garcia-Maldonado, 34, of Reading Jose Rivera-Bilbreu, 50, of Paradise Township, Lancaster County Anthony Caraballo, 22, of Reading Eric Mayo, 27, of Reading Carlos Cruz-Lind, 33, of Reading Theodore Thomas, 25, of Reading Joshua Manon, 24, of Reading Robert Stoudt, 53, of Cumru Township George Laborde, 47, of Reading Samuel Gonzalez-Cordero, 37, of Orlando, Florida Victor Cancel-Alvarez, 21, of Orlando, Florida "We are hopeful that these individuals will turn themselves in in the near future or we will catch them," Adams said. , fentanyl, lidocaine, xylazine and clonidine Countians agree wholeheartedly, as they & # x27 ; ve SMYMCA. Drug ring operating in Berks County is now out of business statewide, have., Pa. ( WPVI ) -- a major drug ring operating in Berks County general assignment reporter for the Eagle... 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