Subsequently, they were committed to Berks County Jail. SHILLINGTON, Pa. - A drug bust has taken nearly $300,000 worth of illegal drugs off the streets of Berks County, according to law enforcement authorities. ", "I call fentanyl the common denominator of death.". 12 suspects are in prison and more than $1 million of drugs were seized in a large drug bust in Schuylkill County. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. As of July 31, Berks has seen 69 overdose deaths in 2017. Those highlighted in red are in custody the others are still at large. "Stop selling your poison in our communities, because its not gonna be tolerated, and with these arrests, I think we severed a pipeline in our region," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. om . If you know the. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. Investigators said they obtained and served search warrants at these locations on Nov. 3 and 4. SEARCH. Crime Map. 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But we do believe there are other sources and they may still be active.. "Detectives from the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office identified a drug dealer operating in Norristown that was distributing cocaine," Adams said. His home at 119 N. Third St. was one of the locations that was raided. He said they also confiscated several weapons and cash, including some from a secret compartment in Rivera's car. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. "They have polluted this community and, frankly, they have polluted many communities throughout our state with this poison," Adams said. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. Investigators said they believe the drugs came into Schuylkill from Luzerne County, although they are unaware how the drugs were transported to Luzerne. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Carranzana-Sanchez is facing 852 felony charges and 284 misdemeanor charges. "During this investigation, troopers determined that Irizarry was associated with numerous other significant illegal drug traffickers," Adams said. Theyve been working tirelessly around the clock to conduct directed patrols further investigations and prevent acts of violence in our community. 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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? Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. When they wake up they are disoriented, have trouble walking, are weak, have a slow heart rate and their blood pressure is up, he said. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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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. Campers can experience a variety of activities from archery to horseback riding. 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. . Berks County Courthouse . Operations such as this investigation are inherently dangerous, as is all the work our women and men who wear the uniform do on a daily basis, yet they face that danger head-on to make our community a better place.. Those taken into custody include Aurelio Carrazana-Sanchez, the suspected head of the ring. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? Takaria Vashon McCray, 47, was sentenced on Aug. 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 188 . 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. "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. Search. 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. "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. Peterson first condemned Hamlin on Sunday . | Credit: Courtesy of S.B. 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. They say it is resistant to Narcan, the drug used to reverse opioid overdoses. There was a problem saving your notification. Some of the patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. 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. Adams said that all of the suspects, if convicted, face substantial jail time and fines in excess of $100,000. 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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. About Us; For Criminal Justice; For the Public; In the News; Directory. A woman was also arrested inShillington and charged. "This amount is a fairly conservative estimate.". Authorities said they also seized nine vehicles, more than $200,000 in cash, and 21 guns during the searches. "These defendants were a very successful drug trafficking operation until now," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. Detectives from Berks and Schuylkill counties, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Reading police teamed up for what they called "Operation Crystal Blue," an investigation targeting an alleged drug trafficking organization operating in Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill counties. We will continue our efforts to stamp out the sources that are contributing to the scourge in our community said District Attorney John T. Adams. We have stopped some sources of these drugs, Adams said. We promise, as we have promised previously, we will continue to investigate and prosecute these peddlers of poison in our community, he said. PHOTOS: Suspects in Berks County drug bust. In July of 2022, detectives from the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office identified a drug dealer operating in Norristown, PA who was distributing cocaine. The investigation began in February, when state police began looking into the alleged drug trafficking activities of a Reading man, identified as Luis Irizarry. 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. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. 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. The arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. 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). An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Information on charges and bail was taken from court documents. Berks County District Attorney, John Adams, say the investigation began in July 2019 and culminated on November 19, 2020. "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 District Attorney John Adams said during a news conference in Reading on Thursday. Here's what to know. Adams was joined by Dr. William Santoro, chief of the division of addiction medicine at Tower Health, and Council on Chemical Abuse Executive Director Stanley J. Papademetriou in the Berks County Services Center to drive home the importance of the crisis. READING, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Police announced Monday that charges have been filed against three people connected to a drug distribution and human trafficking ring operating in and around Reading in Berks County. Chadwick Allen Creger , 46, of Rural Hall, possession with intent to manufacture sell and deliver methamphetamine 3 counts, sell methamphetamine 3 counts, deliver methamphetamine 3 counts, conspiracy to sell and deliver methamphetamine 2 counts, and possession of drug paraphernalia 3 counts. DETAILS OF INCIDENT: Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced on January 20, 2022, that a major drug trafficking organization was dismantled in Berks County yesterday (January 19, 2022). Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. Individuals were arrested Thursday in an early-morning round-up. "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. "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," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams. "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. 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. 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. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. [] Raids break up Berks drug ring responsible for, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Former West Reading police officer federally indicted in fraudulent body armor scheme for a second time, Raids break up Berks drug ring responsible for mass overdoses, Maidencreek attorney questions traffic engineer for Route 222 warehouse project, McCarthy defends giving Tucker Carlson Jan. 6 trove access, six individuals believed to be involved in the ring remain at large, State police charge passenger in fatal crash on Interstate 78 in Berks, So-called Lizzie Lincoln house in Exeter Township to be demolished, Reading restaurant is target of second swatting incident in 3 days in Berks, Former Pottstown man charged in 2016 killing of Berks man, Area family-owned businesses thrive for multiple generations, Stewart's game-winner lifts Wyomissing over Berks Catholic in District 3 Class 4A semifinal, Berks family of 4 displaced by 2-alarm overnight fire, Reading Penn Street shop owner wants more action, less talk about downtown progress, Reading High boys basketball advances to sixth straight final with win over Waynesboro in District 3 Class 6A, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Those numbers are shocking, astronomical, Adams said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. . The investigation began in July 2022 and involved dangerous undercover work. You have permission to edit this article. 2022 Hugg Media Group. MAIL. "The total seizure in drugs is approximately $294,000 worth of drugs on the street," said RPD Capt. 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. "FedEx, UPS, and U.S. mail are unfortunately being utilized by the bad guys to ship their product to our area," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams. The packets that flooded Reading streets and led to the overdoses included heroin, fentanyl and other chemicals, including a tranquilizer used by veterinarians to sedate horses. / . 2001 - 20097 10 . Jeremy worked as a photojournalist for the Lebanon Daily News for seven years before coming to the Reading Eagle. The organization utilized numerous sites within their territory as stash houses, points of sales and means to launder proceeds. Success! 633 Court Street. Damar Hamlin's Super Bowl Jacket Condemned And Called Blasphemous By Adrian Peterson, Fans Defend Hamlin. Stormcenter - School / Business Application. 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. FINANCE. During the same operation, Cooper's drug customer Comese Robinson, of Pottstown, PA, was also arrested and later convicted of similar charges in Montgomery County Court. The female victims received payments from the customers which they would then turn over to either Rivera, Ellis or Thompson. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. A WRPD Officer responded, spoke to the victim and initiated an investigation. Those charges were later dropped. "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. While the Berks source of the tainted drugs has been stamped out, there is evidence that the local ring is part of a bigger drug network that stretches into other cities and states, he said. Many of the chemical compounds are typical to what investigators find in street drugs, Adam said. READING, Pa. (WPVI) -- A major drug ring operating in Berks County is now out of business. Those who have been arrested as a result of the investigation were identified as: Luis Irizarry, 27, of Reading Nelson Rivera, 37, of Reading Carlos Balestier-Marrero, 29, of Reading David Delacruz, 36, of Cumru Township Angel Concepcion-Collazo, 24, of Reading Angel Morales-Rivera, 20, of Reading Wilfredo Alicea, 46, of Reading Joseph Parry, 29, of Muhlenberg Township Lewis Lembric, 26 (was already in jail at time of bust) Luke Williams, 30, of Reading Pablo Valentin-Maldonado, 38, of Reading Jamal Coleman, 28, of Reading John Ballard, 31, of Reading Ismael Mestre-Vazquez, 42, of Reading Vicki Bagenstose, 57, of Muhlenberg Township Robert Undheim, 53, of Muhlenberg Township Mike Rowe, 54, of Spring Township Roberto Garcia-Ramos, 32, of Reading Alexandria Hughes, 22, of Exeter Township Roberto Ortiz, 36, of Reading Dean Moyer, 54, Muhlenberg Township David Starke, 47, of Ontelaunee Township Restituto Leibensperger, 48, of Reading Enrique Ayala, 29, of Bethlehem Eunice Noemi Ortiz-Saez, 30, of Reading "Their bails have been set anywhere from $50,000 to $9 million," Adams said. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The district attorney said it's not a new approach, but it's on the rise again. 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. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. "These seized parcels contained four kilograms of cocaine," Adams said. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. 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.