"Numerous parcels destined for residences in Reading, Pa., were intercepted and seized by the postal service," Adams said. If you know the whereabouts of Sanabria or Matthew, call the Berks County detectives at 610-478-7171. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Detectives from the Berks County District Attorney's Office have dismantled a large-scale illegal drug distribution network headquartered in the south side of the City of Reading. Berks County authorities announced the arrest of 48 people during an undercover investigation known as "Operation Tourniquet". 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. ", "I call fentanyl the common denominator of death.". Berks County District Attorney, John Adams, say the investigation began in July 2019 and culminated on November 19, 2020. Montgomery County authorities announced the arrests of more than 30 people involved in what they say was . Bond: $10,000. There was a problem saving your notification. 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.. 27 defendants charged in major multi-county drug ring, 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The other organization, officials said, orchestrated deliveries of methamphetamine from other areas of the United States, including Los Angeles, with plans to deliver the drug to surrounding counties, including Lancaster, Lehigh, and Schuylkill. Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced the completion of Operation Ice Out on Wednesday. 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. He has been a journalist since 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper. We have stopped some sources of these drugs, Adams said. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. 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? Several of the 27 suspects were arrested in a roundup early Thursday morning. Adams said that all of the suspects, if convicted, face substantial jail time and fines in excess of $100,000. 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. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. You have permission to edit this article. Authorities said the organization's leader was Carlos Lopez Rosado, an inmate at a federal prison in Schuylkill County. 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. For kids ages 6 to 17, South Mountain YMCA Camps (SMYMCA) is the perfect destination for adventure, friendship and lifelong memories. This does not match the symptoms we would expect from xylazine (the horse tranquilizer), Santoro said. The organization utilized numerous sites within their territory as stash houses, points of sales and means to launder proceeds. Get local news text alerts on your phone: Text "berksweekly" to 610-426-1515 They said they also nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who's accused of helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2. The combined law enforcement team utilized all investigative means and tools at their disposal. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Here's what to know. "During this investigation, troopers determined that Irizarry was associated with numerous other significant illegal drug traffickers," Adams said. 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 field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. Multi-million dollar drug operation busted in Berks, DA says, Investigation dubbed 'Operation Last Hurrah', 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. I would like to take this time to publicly commend them for all their efforts and hard work that often go unnoticed. October 21, 2021, 12:20 pm Raid leads to major drug bust in Reading, two arrested Watch on Reading Police Chief Richard Tornielli announced the results of a recent drug and firearms bust in Reading during a Thursday morning news conference at City Hall. Success! 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. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. NEWS. 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. Adams issued a public health alert on Sept. 13 in response to the rash of overdoses. Reading Police Chief Richard Tornielli announced the results of a recent drug and firearms bust in Reading during a Thursday morning news conference at City Hall. There was an error processing your request. YAHOO PLUS. | Credit: Courtesy of S.B. Search form. 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. Investigators said they obtained and served search warrants at these locations on Nov. 3 and 4. Several suspects were arrested and drugs were seized. Authorities arrested Dean DaSilva in Shillington and William Roman-Aponte in Reading. 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. Authorities have busted a large-scale drug operation that was centered in Berks County but stretched far beyond its border. Federal, state and local authorities in Berks County identified 22 suspects wanted for the delivery of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and synthetic marijuana, during an early-morning d Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. Markyrie McCray, Jr., 24, was sentenced on Sept. 8, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, to 30 months' imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack cocaine.". "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. Over the course of the investigation, dubbed Operation Caribbean Snowfall, two undercover officers infiltrated this organization and purchased bulk quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. "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. "The investigation revealed that Irizarry was being was being supplied by at least two distinct organizations.". 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. Perform a free Berks County, PA public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. "Then those packages and parcels were destined to come to Reading.". Now officials believe there is another unknown substance in the drug cocktail causing the overdoses. 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? While serving a search warrant at 419 S. 7th Street, Detectives found1,936 packets of heroin, with an estimated street value of up to $9,680, and6 bags of cocaine, with an estimated street value $120. Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael O'Pake says the ring had been dealing drugs for years and more arrests could be coming. The arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. 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. Now officials believe there is another unknown substance in the drug cocktail causing the overdoses in the drug causing., 2020 that was centered in berks County District Attorney, John Adams announced the completion of Operation Out! Dasilva in Shillington and William Roman-Aponte in Reading, Pa., were intercepted and seized by the postal,... Journalist since 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a federal in! 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