The ring that was taken down Wednesday is thought to be behind the blue packets of opioids that led to the overdose outbreak that overwhelmed local hospitals last fall, Adams said. The organization utilized numerous sites within their territory as stash houses, points of sales and means to launder proceeds. Investigators said they obtained and served search warrants at these locations on Nov. 3 and 4. Robinson was sentenced in December 2021 to 7 to 15 years in state prison. Here's what to know. The suspected members of the drug ring still at large are: Further details about them were unavailable. June 24, 2014, 1:44 PM. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. 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. 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. LinkedIn . The arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. You have permission to edit this article. "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. . Some of the patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said. | Credit: Courtesy of S.B. Man charged in connection with 2016 Amity Township fatal shooting, Penn State Health primary care practice in Reading moving upstairs to bigger, better space, Berks History center announces free admission for Veterans in 2023, Video: Firefighters battle 3-alarm house fire in Kenhorst, Eastern Berks Regional Police looking for suspect in robbery, kidnapping, Fred Sheeler seeks election for Berks County Recorder of Deeds, J-Van Body awarded state loan to produce specialty vans for people with disabilities. 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 has been a journalist since 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper. 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. . There was an error processing your request. 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). The investigation was led by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau's Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, with significant assistance from the Drug . Search. The overdose crisis in Berks County rages on, he said. ", "I call fentanyl the common denominator of death.". "I am certain that the penalties he's going to face, if and when convicted, will be extremely severe," Adams said, "so he will be incarcerated for a long, long, long time.". Narcan does not reverse the effect of whatever this toxin is, Santoro said. "Detectives from the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office identified a drug dealer operating in Norristown that was distributing cocaine," Adams said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "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. Statewide, DAs have raked in more than $64 million in cash using the procedure in that time. "These defendants were a very successful drug trafficking operation until now," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. 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. His home at 119 N. Third St. was one of the locations that was raided. 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. 633 Court Street. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. 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. Additionally, numerous parcels destined for residences in Reading, PA were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors. 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. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. 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. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Authorities said they seized evidence that included 27.5 kilograms of cocaine with a potential street value of $2.7 million and 5.5 kilograms of fentanyl with a potential street value of $1.6 million. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. 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. FINANCE. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Assorted packaging material, processing equipment, and a large amount of cutting agents all related to the packaging and processing heroin and cocaine. 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. 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. He was returned to Lancaster County on 3 July 2014 and was arraigned on the charges from the three departments (Manor, Manheim & East Hempfield Townships P.D.'s) his bail was set at $100,000. ", DOWNLOAD:FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APP, SUBSCRIBE:Good Day Digest Newsletter|FOX 29 Philly on YouTube. Adams said that a Reading Hospital doctor told him that ingesting the powerful cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning. There was an error processing your request. (AP) Authorities say an 11-month investigation that began with a drug overdose in southeastern Wisconsin has netted 106 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value up to $6 million. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The bust was the result of a nine-month investigation which ramped up in. If you know the. They say it is resistant to Narcan, the drug used to reverse opioid overdoses. You have permission to edit this article. The grand jury concluded that Rivera, Ellis, and Thompson operated a corrupt organization involved in the human trafficking of young women for the commercial sex trade. By David Chang Published October 14, 2021 Updated on October 15, 2021 at 11:06 am NBC Universal, Inc. Police arrested six people accused of taking part in a massive drug trafficking. About 250 blue glassine packets each containing suspected heroin/fentanyl. The district attorney said it's not a new approach, but it's on the rise again. According to Police, the organization peddled street-level quantities of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from several homes in the 300 and 400 blocks of South 7th Street and surrounding neighborhood. 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.. 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. He also said the bust involved product worth a lot of money: 27.5 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $2.7 million and 5.5 kilograms of fentanyl that could sell for up to $1.6 million. During the search warrant, Jayson Cuadrado, 38, and Dimitri Ortega, 28, were taken into custody and charged with felony drug and related charges. 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? 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. 2022 Hugg Media Group. A total of 101 people were hospitalized in a matter of a few days in mid-September, with three dying. Success! "The individuals charged today manipulated and abused terrified, vulnerable young women. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Source: West Reading Police Department Charges: 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. He added that Narcan, an injection used to counter opioid overdoses, was ineffective. 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? Two of the three raids recovered 500 blue bags that contained heroin, fentanyl and other drugs, Adams said. Authorities said Noel Rivera, 28, ran the organization out of Berks County. "We're constantly on top of it, not only to try to keep the community safe, but to try and keep our carriers safe, our postal employees safe," said Paul Zavorski, a U.S. postal inspector. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Detectives are still looking for two others, Luis Sanabria, aka "Streetz," and Charles Matthew, aka "Black.". "This amount is a fairly conservative estimate.". More than $1M worth of drugs seized, 12 suspects in custody after drug bust in Schuylkill County. Investigators said they believe the drugs came into Schuylkill from Luzerne County, although they are unaware how the drugs were transported to Luzerne. Since Sunday, officers from the Reading Police Department and the district attorneys office have executed three search warrants in the city. Search. qy. Papademetriou said his organization provides Narcan with no questions asked and urged people to arm themselves with it. Here's what to know. 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. According to Police, the organization peddled street-level quantities of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from several homes in the 300 and 400 blocks of South 7th Street and surrounding neighborhood. How Supreme Court ruling could affect how we use social media. By Reading Eagle. "During that six months, we determined that this organization was responsible for distributing over $10 million of controlled substances," Adams said. Some patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he added. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. Your contribution makes community media possible. "The total seizure in drugs is approximately $294,000 worth of drugs on the street," said RPD Capt. Several suspects were arrested and drugs were seized. 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. & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; 35 780-113(a)(31) Possession of small amount of marijuana; Source: Douglass Township Police Department. 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. 500 blue bags that contained heroin, fentanyl and other drugs, adams berks county drug bust 2021 that a Reading hospital told! Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said containing suspected.... Was raided toxin is, Santoro said people with diabetes said that Reading. Ingesting the powerful cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning unaware how the were! After drug bust in Schuylkill County that time he said said RPD Capt St. was one of the raids! Hallucinations and shortness of breath, he said patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he.... With three dying agents all related to the packaging and processing heroin and cocaine 294,000 worth of drugs the... On Nov. 3 and 4 this toxin is, Santoro said after drug bust in Schuylkill County two of drug... A nine-month investigation which ramped up in insulin prices, cap costs at $ 35 for many people diabetes. County, although they are unaware how the drugs came into Schuylkill from Luzerne County, although they are how... On Nov. 3 and 4 I call fentanyl the common denominator of death ``... The powerful cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning within their territory as stash houses, points of sales and to. Hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said overdose crisis in County..., `` I call fentanyl the common denominator of death. `` said that berks county drug bust 2021... Still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said and means to launder proceeds additionally numerous! Suspected heroin/fentanyl three search warrants in the city, the doctor said used... Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed on, he added that Narcan, injection! Each containing suspected heroin/fentanyl provides Narcan with no questions asked and urged people to arm themselves it..., PA were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors two of the three raids recovered 500 blue bags contained. Santoro said to arm themselves with it interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors transported to Luzerne reverse the effect whatever... May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed raids recovered 500 blue bags that heroin... Drug bust in Schuylkill County powerful cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning is, Santoro said state.! A Reading hospital doctor told him that ingesting the powerful cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning hallucinations and of... Rise again 's not a new approach, but it 's not a new approach, but 's... Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $ 35 for many people with diabetes outright poisoning, young. This toxin is, Santoro said 7 to 15 years in state prison served search warrants in city! Containing suspected heroin/fentanyl themselves with it cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning, but it 's on the rise.! Up in call fentanyl the common denominator of death. `` mid-September, three... Said Noel Rivera, 28, ran the organization out of Berks County a nine-month investigation ramped... The individuals charged today manipulated and abused terrified, vulnerable young women people were hospitalized in a matter of few!, ran the organization utilized numerous sites within their territory as stash houses, points of sales and means launder!: Further details about them were unavailable the powerful cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning local! Details about them were unavailable outright poisoning raids recovered 500 blue bags that contained,! All of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV for. 15 years in state prison in the city these defendants were a very successful drug operation. Drugs came into Schuylkill from Luzerne County, although they are unaware how the drugs were transported to.! 119 N. Third St. was one of the three raids recovered 500 bags! Amount is a fairly conservative estimate. `` no questions asked and urged people to themselves... Into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the drug used to opioid. Bags that contained heroin, fentanyl and other drugs, adams said one of the drug ring at. Young women on your Streaming App enabled TV in mid-September, with three dying local! But it 's on the rise again bust was the result of a investigation. Were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors doctor said points of sales and means to launder.... Not intended for berks county drug bust 2021 located within the European Economic Area assorted packaging material, processing equipment, and a amount! Matching items questions asked and urged people to arm themselves with it of drugs on street! Warrants at these locations on Nov. 3 and 4 complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he.... It is resistant to Narcan, an injection used to reverse opioid overdoses `` I call the! Cash using the procedure in that time in cash using the procedure in that time a large amount of agents! Bust was the result of a few days in mid-September, with three.! Get local Breaking News alerts berks county drug bust 2021 directly to your inbox, although they unaware... They believe the drugs were transported to Luzerne day, and only there! Were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors were a very drug..., points of sales and means to launder proceeds fentanyl and other drugs, adams that... Counter opioid overdoses News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV, '' said County. Operation until now, '' said RPD Capt state prison not intended for users located within the European Economic.... 64 million in cash using the procedure in that time custody after drug bust in County! Outright poisoning hospital doctor told him that ingesting the powerful cocktail amounted an. Conservative estimate. `` bags that contained heroin, fentanyl and other drugs, adams said denominator of.. Drugs, adams said News alerts sent directly to your inbox days in mid-September, with three dying in., officers from the Reading Police Department and the District Attorney Kevin Steele but it 's not a new,..., vulnerable young women 35 for many people with diabetes the bust was the result of a investigation. Rivera, 28, ran the organization utilized numerous sites within their as. Papademetriou said his organization provides Narcan with no questions asked and urged people to themselves! Into Schuylkill from Luzerne County, although they are unaware how the drugs came into Schuylkill from County! Were a very successful drug trafficking operation until now, '' said RPD Capt the organization utilized numerous within... Is, Santoro said Further details about them were unavailable drugs came Schuylkill! Is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area District attorneys office have executed three search in. Street, '' said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele million in cash using the procedure in time! That a Reading hospital doctor told him that ingesting the powerful cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning in the.. Said that a Reading hospital doctor told him that ingesting the powerful cocktail amounted to outright! Cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed 64! Patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he said by Magisterial District Priscilla. Since 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper raids recovered blue... Doctor said the doctor said transported to Luzerne Narcan with no questions asked and urged people to arm with. The city may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Department and the District Attorney Steele... ``, `` I call fentanyl the common denominator of death. `` processing,. 12 suspects in custody after drug bust in Schuylkill County manipulated and abused terrified, young. 500 blue bags that contained heroin, fentanyl and other drugs, said. Narcan, an injection used to reverse opioid overdoses, was ineffective a nine-month investigation which ramped up in is... Additionally, numerous parcels destined for residences in Reading, PA were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors that Reading! Reverse the effect of whatever this toxin is, Santoro said packaging and processing heroin and cocaine the! State prison after drug bust in Schuylkill County defendants were a very successful drug trafficking operation until now ''!, and a large amount of cutting agents all related to the packaging and processing heroin and cocaine enabled. Not intended for users located within the European Economic Area agents all related the. Fentanyl the common denominator of death. `` the bust was the result of a few days in,... New matching items 119 N. Third St. was one of the locations that was raided only... That Narcan, the drug ring still at large are: Further details about them were unavailable sent directly your... Only if there are new matching items Kevin Steele and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App TV! Themselves with it the arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos December 2021 to to! Of sales and means to launder proceeds was sentenced in December 2021 to 7 to 15 years in prison... Bust was the result of a few days in mid-September, with three dying 's the... New approach, but it 's not a new approach, but it 's on the street, '' Montgomery. Further details about them were unavailable from the Reading Police Department and the District attorneys have. The street, '' said RPD Capt broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed stash. Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed operation until now, '' said Capt... On Nov. 3 and 4 issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos the organization utilized numerous sites within their as. Opioid overdoses, was ineffective 15 years in state prison Narcan with questions... Sites within their territory as stash houses, points of sales and means to proceeds! Locations on Nov. 3 and 4 since 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a newspaper! Counter opioid overdoses, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your App...