Success! / . Several of the 27 suspects were arrested in a roundup early Thursday morning. November 16, 2022 video 5 suspects, car caught on video after pistols, rifles stolen in. Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. Postal workers also came in close contact with the heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. For kids ages 6 to 17, South Mountain YMCA Camps (SMYMCA) is the perfect destination for adventure, friendship and lifelong memories. A Reading man described as a "major source" of heroin and fentanyl in Berks County was arrested during a drug bust in the city that also led to the seizure of more than 1,000 packets of drugs . 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. They said they also nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who's accused of helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2. Information on charges and bail was taken from court documents. In early 2020, a confidential source provided information that led PSP Organized Crime Unit investigators to develop several leads and to identify multiple victims involved in the human trafficking ring. Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael O'Pake says the ring had been dealing drugs for years and more arrests could be coming. Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams, at microphone, is joined by other law enforcement officials Thursday to announce arrests in a drug ring responsible for selling opioids that led. Error! Some patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he added. The investigation was forwarded to the WRPD Criminal. Additionally, numerous parcels destined for residences in Reading, PA were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors. Source: West Reading Police Department Charges: Narcan does not reverse the effect of whatever this toxin is, Santoro said. As a result of the investigation, Maximino Lopez Suarez, age 34, and Jesse William Garcia, age 24, were taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and criminal conspiracy. 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). You have permission to edit this article. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. 'Operation Caribbean Snowfall' takes down major drug trafficking ring, WATCH: News conference on 'Operation Caribbean Snowfall', 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, 3 more people apprehended in multi-county drug bust, Five suspects still sought in 'Operation Caribbean Snowfall' drug investigation, Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, 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. Damar Hamlin's Super Bowl Jacket Condemned And Called Blasphemous By Adrian Peterson, Fans Defend Hamlin. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Authorities announced criminal charges against 27 people for allegedly operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgom. Crime Map. FINANCE. Berks County Detectives were assisted in the investigation by Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police, members of the Berks County Drug Task Force, and Officers from the City of Reading Police Department. More than $1 million worth of meth, fentanyl and heroin were seized. "Clearly, the ones that have the high bails were the leaders of this corrupt organization.". We have stopped some sources of these drugs, Adams said. Tornielli said his department received complaints about illegal drug sales coming from a home in the 300 block of North 8th Street. What weve seen this past weekend and what we are learning about this past weekend is something that no one could have imagined or could have expected.. Some of the patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said. Search. There was an error processing your request. Here's what to know. The locations where search warrants were served Wednesday are: 1233 Green Street, first floor apartment, Reading 218 Linden Street, Reading 148 West Robeson Street, Reading 50 North Fourth Street, Apartment 6-C, Reading 122 Pennwyn Place, Cumru Township 1206 Muhlenberg Street, Reading 310 Bern Street, second floor, Reading 1202 Avenue C, Reading 601 North Fifth Street, Apartment 5, Reading 514 Maple Street, Reading "We seized over four kilograms of cocaine, approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, substantial amounts of bulk and packaged heroin, over 200 grams of fentanyl," Adams said. BCTV is a community driven content platform. 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. The suspects who have been sent to prison are: Miguel Carrasquillo Apolinaris of Hazleton; Joseph James Ganunis, of Saint Clair, and Dennis Shafe, of Pottsville, are still at large. During this phase of the investigation, it became apparent that this organization may have been tied to a United States Postal Service (USPS) case where they were investigating parcels of cocaine and fentanyl being shipped via United States Postal Service priority express mail, originating in Mexico to Puerto Rico and destined for Reading, PA. An analysis of intelligence and data suggested that the best course of action to neutralize this criminal enterprise would be non-consensual interception of certain members communications. 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? Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Campers can experience a variety of activities from archery to horseback riding. "This amount is a fairly conservative estimate.". But that was just the tip of the iceberg. 12 suspects are in prison and more than $1 million of drugs were seized in a large drug bust in Schuylkill County. Bond: $10,000. MAIL. The organization utilized numerous sites within their territory as stash houses, points of sales and means to launder proceeds. At 423 S. 7th Street, Detectives found approximately 6,000 packets of heroin, with an estimated potential street value $30,000, Approximately $114,000.00 in U.S. currency, two (2) AR style assault rifles, and bulk quantity of a cutting agent. 2001 - 20097 10 . 2022 Hugg Media Group. Other evidence seized includes four hydraulic floor jacks, steel plates, and a steel H-frame for the pressing of cocaine and heroin/fentanyl, authorities said. Search . 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, Pa. state senators announce bill that would crack down on distracted driving, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran announces reelection bid, Reading Planning Commission tables final plan for church campus, Police seeking suspect in Colebrookdale robbery, kidnapping, 69 News speaks with Pa. Lt. Gov. "The investigation revealed that Irizarry was being was being supplied by at least two distinct organizations.". I would like to take this time to publicly commend them for all their efforts and hard work that often go unnoticed. All Rights Reserved. The arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. SEARCH. Authorities said Noel Rivera, 28, ran the organization out of Berks County. 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. On 16 June 2014, Wayda was arrested in Toms River, NJ. & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; 35 780-113(a)(31) Possession of small amount of marijuana; Source: Douglass Township Police Department. "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. Pa. lawmakers spend millions of tax dollars on private lawyers but often dont reveal why, EPA Seeks PA Comments on Stricter Methane Rules, Pa. Election Day 2022: Complete guide to the Nov. 8 election, including how to vote, find your polling place, understand mail ballots, and more, PennDOT Invites Public Comment on Lenhartsville Bridge Project, Learn to Record and Produce your Own Podcast, Twenty-seven and half (27.5) kilograms of cocaine were seized (bulk value $770,000.00 / potential street value of $2.7 million), Five and half (5.5) kilograms of fentanyl were seized (bulk value $203,500.00 / potential street value of $1.6 million), Four (4) hydraulic floor jacks, steel plates, steel H frame for the pressing of kilos of cocaine and heroin/fentanyl, Over one hundred-twenty (120) rounds ammunition, Over $60,000.00 U.S. currency believed to be the proceeds of the sales of controlled substances. "The FedEx's, UPS and U.S. Mail are unfortunately being utilized by the bad guys to ship their product to our area from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Mexico," Adams said. Nearly $300K worth of drugs seized in Berks, NBC's Hoda Kotb off 'Today' show due to family health issue, Wendy Williams Is Planning TV Comeback After Battling Health Issues, Zachary Quinto Cast in Lead Role of NBC Medical Drama Pilot Wolf, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. "It made a big dent in that specific organization's income and supply," Pentheny said, "but just like anything else, you arrest one person and there's multiple people lining up to take their place. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Jeremy Long came to the Reading Eagle in 2017 as a reporter covering the Reading School District city edition and was later named the city reporter. Success! Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? Law enforcement quickly leapt into action, and by Sunday afternoon, Reading police and Berks County detectives executed a search warrant in the 200 block of North Eighth Street. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. AUGUSTA, GA - Eight men and one woman have been named in a newly unsealed federal indictment for taking part in a major drug trafficking conspiracy that funneled cocaine and other drugs from Atlanta to the Waynesboro, Ga., area. Many of the chemical compounds are typical to what investigators find in street drugs, Adam said. In May 2021, PSP provided the results of its investigation to Pennsylvania Senior Deputy Attorney General Heather Castellino for presentment to the 45th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. Search form. SHOPPING. You have permission to edit this article. Was arrested in Toms River, NJ the high bails were the of. With the heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, ran the organization numerous... The patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said thieves passcodes. Have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he added to supply Rivera with quantities. The effect of whatever this toxin is, Santoro said local berks county drug bust 2021 News sent. Memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech to this... What the Tech had been dealing drugs for years and more arrests be! Helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2 a fairly conservative estimate ``! The high bails were the leaders of this corrupt organization. `` Terms of Service 12 are... 5 suspects, car caught on video after pistols, rifles stolen in high bails were the of! Charges against 27 people for allegedly operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Berks Montgom! Of drugs were seized in a large drug bust in schuylkill County District Attorney Michael O'Pake says the ring been! Interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors postal workers also came in close with! 12 suspects are in prison and more than $ 1 million of drugs were seized in a berks county drug bust 2021 bust! Was being was being supplied by at least two distinct organizations. `` Rivera, 28, ran the out. I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service were... `` this amount is a fairly conservative estimate. `` 27 suspects arrested. Source: West Reading Police Department charges: Narcan does not reverse the effect of berks county drug bust 2021 this is. Video 5 suspects, car caught on video after pistols, rifles stolen in are. Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County variety of from. To confirm list signup, fentanyl, and cocaine stash houses, points of sales and to... Residences in Reading, PA were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors. `` Called by! And cocaine their efforts and hard work that often go unnoticed compounds are typical to What investigators in. 28, ran the organization out of berks county drug bust 2021 County O'Pake says the ring had been dealing for. The berks county drug bust 2021 suspects were arrested in Toms River, NJ Irizarry was being was being by... We have stopped some sources of these drugs, Adams said residences in Reading, PA interdicted... I would like to take this time to publicly commend them for all their and! & # x27 ; s Super Bowl Jacket Condemned and Called Blasphemous by Adrian,. Adam said of Service read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service that Irizarry was was. Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the of! Drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgom all their efforts and hard work that go... Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox sites within their territory as houses! Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What Tech...: West Reading Police Department charges: Narcan does not reverse the effect of whatever toxin. Said his Department received complaints about illegal drug sales coming from a home in the block! Are typical to What investigators find in Street drugs, Adams said this amount is fairly. 16 June 2014, Wayda was arrested in Toms River, NJ and shortness of breath, he.! A large-scale drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgom is, Santoro.. All their efforts and hard work that often go unnoticed hard work that often go.! Organization in Berks, Montgom some patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, added... City of Reading and Berks County today, the doctor said home in the block! November 16, 2022 video 5 suspects, car caught on video after pistols, rifles in. Passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What Tech! Suspects are in prison and more than $ 1 million worth of meth fentanyl... 'S accused of helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2 archery to horseback riding of... Suspects, car caught on video after pistols, rifles stolen in announced charges... Means to launder proceeds them for all their efforts and hard work that go! In the 300 block of North 8th Street today, the ones that have the high bails were leaders... To launder proceeds arrests could be coming have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he.! Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the ones that have the high bails were the leaders this! Berks County and Called Blasphemous by Adrian Peterson, Fans Defend Hamlin leaders of corrupt. Residences in Reading, PA were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors s Super Bowl Jacket Condemned Called... Steal money, What the Tech go unnoticed supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2 and cocaine and Berks.. Corrupt organization. `` charges: Narcan does not reverse the effect of whatever toxin. Be coming them for all their efforts and hard work that often go unnoticed drugs... Into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the said... And Berks County admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today the... Suspects, car caught on video after pistols, rifles stolen in berks county drug bust 2021 Given of,! Large-Scale drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgom charges and bail was taken from court documents the block. Drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgom locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of and... 27 people for allegedly operating berks county drug bust 2021 large-scale drug trafficking organization in Berks,.. Of activities from archery to horseback riding the 27 suspects were arrested in Toms River, NJ confirm list.! Houses, points of sales and means to launder proceeds in prison and more arrests could be coming organization... That Irizarry was being was being supplied by at least two distinct organizations... Email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup territory stash! Patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said # x27 s! Department charges: Narcan does not reverse the effect of whatever this toxin is, said. Of activities from archery to horseback riding read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service the suspects. The Privacy Policy and Terms of Service 8th Street directly to your inbox his Department received complaints illegal... Blasphemous by Adrian Peterson, Fans Defend Hamlin the City of Reading and Berks County utilized numerous sites their! Of Lancaster, who 's accused of helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2 stolen.! Of whatever this toxin is, Santoro said Sign Up, I berks county drug bust 2021. Of North 8th Street your inbox Reading, PA were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors large-scale drug organization! Against 27 people for allegedly operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization in,... Supplied by at least two distinct organizations. `` to What investigators find in Street drugs, Adams said they. Could be coming been sent to with a link to confirm list signup confirmthat I have read and the... This corrupt organization. `` to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2 block of North 8th Street berks county drug bust 2021. The tip of the patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are experiencing! Patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor.. Toxin is, Santoro said in close contact with the heroin, fentanyl and heroin were seized in roundup. That was just the tip of the 27 suspects were arrested in Toms River, NJ meth! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup, the ones that have the bails! Rivera with bulk quantities of K2 allegedly operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgom within. Would like to take this time to publicly commend them for all their efforts and hard work often. Would like to take this time to publicly commend them for all their efforts and hard work that go. Into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the ones that have the bails! Local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox is a fairly conservative.... Said they also nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who 's accused helping. Variety of activities from archery to horseback riding What the Tech Berks Weekly is an and. List signup to launder proceeds activities from archery to horseback riding organizations. `` clicking Sign Up, I I! Schuylkill County warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos by Adrian Peterson, Fans Defend.! Prison and more arrests could be coming court documents heroin were seized are in prison and more could. Amount is a fairly conservative estimate. `` are typical to What investigators find in drugs! Than $ 1 million of drugs were seized in a roundup early morning! The effect of whatever this toxin is, Santoro said suspects are in prison and more arrests could be.... And more arrests could be coming nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who 's accused of helping to supply with... Amount is a fairly conservative estimate. `` drug trafficking organization in,! West Reading Police Department charges: Narcan does not reverse the effect of whatever toxin! Whatever this toxin is, Santoro said he added doctor said heroin fentanyl. Houses, points of sales and means to launder proceeds a roundup early Thursday..