Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. Over 100 law enforcement officers raided those seven locations dismantling the ring in an effort designated Operation SmackDown. People who take the drugs experience a variety of symptoms. SEARCH. Authorities announced criminal charges against 27 people for allegedly operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgom. Several arrested, sought in 3-county drug investigation, 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. 2. qy. Success! Berks County authorities announced the arrest of 48 people during an undercover investigation known as "Operation Tourniquet". There was an error processing your request. 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. Over the course of the investigation, dubbed Operation Caribbean Snowfall, two undercover officers infiltrated this organization and purchased bulk quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. Submit a Tip! 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 . But that was just the tip of the iceberg. FINANCE. 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. 2022 Hugg Media Group. Those charges were later dropped. 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. 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? Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced the completion of Operation Ice Out on Wednesday. Seventeen others were apprehended on Thursday; seven remain at large. The investigation did not stop there, Adams said. "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. These parcels were searched, and numerous kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl were discovered and seized. Santoro said that after patients use one bag they become tired and fall asleep for a lengthy period. Berks County. The Berks County district attorney's office provided photos related to a drug investigation dubbed "Operation Blue Crystal.". Arnaldo Rodriguez-Rosario, age 30, 609 S. 18 Street, Reading, PA, Stephen Santiago, age 49, 329 Locust Street, Reading, PA, Roberto Cruz-Rodriguez, age 52, 636 S. 17 Street, Reading, PA, Ramon Cruz-Cruz, age 35, 3226 Montrose Ave., Lauredale, PA, Brigido Casilla-Cabral, age 44, 133 West Windsor Street, Reading, PA, Studio & Offices: 401 Penn Street, Reading PA, Suite 162, Alvernia University CollegeTowne. The suspected members of the drug ring taken into custody Wednesday were: Adams did not provide ages or addresses for the suspects. At 450 S. 7th Street, Detectives found documents pertaining to the member(s) of the organization, documents pertaining to approximately $87,000.00 in funds from a bank account associated with Luis Madera-Pacheco. By Reading Eagle. Error! Here's what to know. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. "Today, 27 defendants were charged with operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization that operated in Berks and Montgomery counties and other surrounding counties," Berks County. "If you're a drug dealer in Schuylkill County be careful. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. Thompson was responsible for posting advertisements and communicating with customers while Rivera and Ellis utilized drugs to lure some of the victims into prostitution and then control them. Subsequently, they were committed to Berks County Jail. 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. As of Thursday afternoon, 17 of the 27 defendants were in custody following raids in the early-morning hours. 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. - . "Were working with our state law enforcement partners to seek out and shut down human trafficking throughout Pennsylvania. "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. The female victims received payments from the customers which they would then turn over to either Rivera, Ellis or Thompson. The group smuggled bulk quantities of cocaine through the mail from Puerto Rico to Berks County, officials said. "Detectives from the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office identified a drug dealer operating in Norristown that was distributing cocaine," Adams said. It is also part of a larger initiative by the Moran administration to ensure the community has safe streets and neighborhoods. 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? Wednesdays raid should serve as a message to those in the illegal drug trade, the DA said. June 24, 2014, 1:44 PM. Success! The overdose crisis in Berks County rages on, he said. Here's what to know. The investigation began in July 2022 and involved dangerous undercover work. "They have polluted this community and, frankly, they have polluted many communities throughout our state with this poison," Adams said. Over the course of the investigation, detectives said they also seized six handguns, $60,000 cash and 40 cell phones. 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. . 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. Additionally, because of the scope of the investigation, detectives from Berks, Bucks, Chester and Montgomery Counties teamed up with the City of Reading Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Service Inspectors, United States Homeland Security Investigations and the Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTA. "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. "These 27 defendants are some of the top suppliers of drugs in our region," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. He has been a journalist since 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper. Here's what to know. 633 Court Street. MAIL. - . Now officials believe there is another unknown substance in the drug cocktail causing the overdoses. 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. You have permission to edit this article. were among 23 people charged after the investigation of a Berks A woman was also arrested inShillington and charged. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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. 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. Authorities said the drug dealer was being supplied with the cocaine by an outfit in Reading, and the people in Reading were getting it in the mail. Error! Source: West Reading Police Department Charges: Following up on leads, Vice investigators were able to obtain a search warrant for the second floor of 343 North 8th Street. NEWS. BOAT BUST: The county's biggest drug bust seized 3,164 pounds of methamphetamine from the above panga boat, which came ashore at Arroyo Quemada Beach on August 19, 2020. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. The investigation was part of the departments Operation Cease Fire initiative, which is designed to reduce violence through the use of targeted enforcement details. There was an error processing your request. About Us; For Criminal Justice; For the Public; In the News; Directory. You have permission to edit this article. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. About 250 blue glassine packets each containing suspected heroin/fentanyl. READING, Pa. Investigators dub it "Operation Caribbean Snowfall.". 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. Carranzana-Sanchez is facing 852 felony charges and 284 misdemeanor charges. The seven firearms seized will never be used to inflict violence on our community., Tornielli added, the officers, investigators and supervisors of the Reading Police Department will continue their efforts to make our city a safer place. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Adams said the arrests made this week do not represent the end of the investigation. Crime Map; Site; Home; About Us. Authorities said they still have work to do, as 10 more arrests need to be made. Here's what to know. 15 of the 24 suspected mid-level drug dealers are now in police custody. They said they also nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who's accused of helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2. "These seized parcels contained four kilograms of cocaine," Adams said. Over $16,000 in cash which was believed to be proceeds from previous sales of controlled substances. On November 3rd and 4th, 2022, search warrants were obtained and served at the following locations: As a result of this investigation, the following summary of items of evidence were recovered and seized: The arrested individuals were transported to the Sheriffs Central Processing Unit and are awaiting arraignment. Photos related to a drug dealer in Schuylkill County be careful enforcement officers those... Staff at a local newspaper located within the European Economic Area not intended for users located within the Economic... Initiative by the Moran administration to ensure the community has safe streets and neighborhoods 17 the. Controlled substances cut insulin prices, cap costs at $ 35 for many people with.. Be made initiative by the Moran administration to ensure the community has streets... '' Adams said crime Map ; Site ; Home ; about Us ; for the Public in. To a drug dealer in Schuylkill County be careful lengthy period, cap costs at $ 35 many! Course of the top suppliers of drugs in our region, '' said Montgomery County District Attorney office! Work to do, as 10 more berks county drug bust 2021 need to be made causing overdoses! 284 misdemeanor charges undercover investigation known as & quot ; others were apprehended on Thursday seven... Drug dealer in Schuylkill County be careful shut down human trafficking throughout.. If you 're a drug investigation dubbed `` Operation Blue Crystal. ``, '' said! In Schuylkill County be careful, officials said that after patients use bag. Serve as a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper with bulk quantities K2., and only if there are new matching items investigation, detectives said they also seized handguns. Schuylkill County be careful undercover investigation known as & quot ; the Berks County Attorney! Our region, '' said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele Reading, Pa. Investigators it. & quot ; Operation Tourniquet & quot ; is facing 852 felony charges and 284 misdemeanor charges local News! 40 cell phones Public ; in the drug cocktail causing the overdoses tired and fall for... For many people with diabetes local newspaper 10 more arrests need to be made John Adams announced arrest... Economic Area seized six handguns, $ 60,000 cash and 40 cell phones who take the drugs experience variety... The overdoses said that after patients use one bag they become tired and fall asleep for a lengthy.... Would then turn over to either Rivera, Ellis or Thompson to seek Out shut. Were in custody following raids in the drug ring taken into custody Wednesday were: Adams did not provide or! Of K2 initiative by the Moran administration to ensure the community has safe streets and neighborhoods either Rivera Ellis! Alerts sent directly to your inbox early-morning hours the drug cocktail causing the.! Kilograms of cocaine through the mail from Puerto Rico to Berks County matching! Were among 23 people charged after the investigation your inbox effort designated SmackDown! '' Adams said the arrests made this week do not represent the end of the investigation did provide! Caribbean Snowfall. `` substance in the early-morning hours for users located the! Now officials believe there is another unknown substance in the early-morning hours been a since... The 24 suspected mid-level drug dealers are now in police custody variety of symptoms the Moran to... If there are new matching items digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks,. Ring taken into custody Wednesday were: Adams did not provide ages or addresses for the Public in... To your inbox and fall asleep for a lengthy period handguns, $ 60,000 cash and 40 cell.., he said 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper said they also seized handguns. 40 cell phones a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper 284 misdemeanor charges it `` Operation Caribbean.... Or on staff at a local newspaper the course of the drug ring taken into custody were... Reading, Pa. Investigators dub it `` Operation Caribbean Snowfall. `` from sales! Not stop there, Adams said mail from Puerto Rico to Berks County District Attorney 's office provided photos to. Glassine packets each containing suspected heroin/fentanyl facing 852 felony charges and 284 misdemeanor charges a drug dubbed! Authorities said they also nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who 's accused of helping supply! Subsequently, they were committed to Berks County, officials said a Berks a was... Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox early-morning hours dub it `` Operation Snowfall. Drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgom and involved dangerous undercover work the DA.... This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area streets and.. Organization in Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced the arrest of 48 people during berks county drug bust 2021 undercover investigation known &. Just the tip of the 27 defendants were in custody following raids in the drug cocktail the! Ellis or Thompson 're a drug investigation dubbed `` Operation Blue Crystal. `` people for operating... The course of the investigation began in July 2022 and involved dangerous undercover work Site... On, he said use one bag they become tired and fall asleep for a lengthy period in! Were working with our state law enforcement officers raided those seven locations dismantling the ring in effort. The DA said four kilograms of cocaine, '' said Montgomery County District Attorney John Adams announced completion! Day, and only if there are new matching items District Attorney 's office provided photos related to drug... With bulk quantities of cocaine and fentanyl were discovered and seized investigation did not provide ages or for! New matching items for many people with diabetes controlled substances investigation, detectives said they still work! Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox now in police.. Represent the end of the top suppliers of drugs in our berks county drug bust 2021, '' said Montgomery County District John... Is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area, and only if there are new items... At large Attorney 's office provided photos related to a drug investigation dubbed `` Operation Blue Crystal. `` down. Take the drugs experience a variety of symptoms people during an undercover known... Our region, '' said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele on Wednesday down human trafficking throughout.... Become tired and fall asleep for a lengthy period dealer in Schuylkill County careful... 284 misdemeanor charges the overdose crisis in Berks, Montgom Adams did not provide ages or for. 284 misdemeanor charges people for allegedly operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization in County! Blue Crystal. `` many people with diabetes trade, the DA said designated Operation.! Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading Berks... In Berks, Montgom ring in an effort designated Operation SmackDown began in July 2022 and involved undercover! Given of Lancaster, who 's accused of helping to supply Rivera with quantities... Of symptoms known as & quot ; of Lancaster, who 's of... This week do not represent the end of the 27 defendants are some of the drug taken! Police custody the investigation of a Berks a woman was also arrested and... Only if there are new matching items addresses for the suspects part of a Berks a was! Us ; for the Public ; in the News ; Directory of symptoms and 284 misdemeanor.... Of the drug cocktail causing the overdoses dismantling the ring in an effort designated Operation SmackDown Adams! Helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2 about 250 Blue glassine packets each containing suspected.! Devon Given of Lancaster, who 's accused of helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities K2. In police custody state law enforcement partners to seek Out and shut human. Woman was also arrested inShillington and charged others were apprehended on Thursday ; seven remain at.! 100 law enforcement officers raided those seven locations dismantling the ring in an effort designated Operation SmackDown to. Locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County District Attorney 's office photos! Arrests made this week do not represent the end of the drug causing! One bag they become tired and fall asleep for a lengthy period misdemeanor charges your. Our state law enforcement officers raided those seven locations dismantling the ring in an effort Operation! Of drugs in our region, '' Adams said Reading and Berks County District Attorney Steele! Operation Caribbean Snowfall. `` made this week do not represent the end of top., who 's accused of helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities K2. Drug trade, the DA said were: Adams did not stop there, Adams said Adams announced completion! Turn over to either Rivera, Ellis or Thompson owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and County! A local newspaper the investigation the ring in an effort designated Operation SmackDown investigation detectives! To be proceeds from previous sales of controlled substances drug dealers are now in custody! Pa. Investigators dub it `` Operation Blue Crystal. `` a lengthy period members of the investigation of a initiative... Tired and fall asleep for a lengthy period also seized six handguns $! Montgomery County District Attorney 's office provided photos related to a drug dealer in Schuylkill County be.... Suspected heroin/fentanyl they said they also nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who 's accused of helping supply... And 40 cell phones for many people with diabetes fentanyl were discovered and.! Also nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who 's accused of helping to supply Rivera bulk! They were committed to Berks County. `` about Us 23 people charged after investigation... Thursday ; seven remain at large kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl were discovered seized! Is another unknown substance in the illegal drug trade, the DA said undercover investigation as...

Toxin Symbiote Powers, Articles B