Berks County authorities announced the arrest of 48 people during an undercover investigation known as "Operation Tourniquet". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. . "We will extradite them from anywhere to face justice here in our county.". 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 . Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. NFL running back Adrian Peterson, who was furious after seeing Damar Hamlin's jacket at the Super Bowl, said he has now personally reached out to the 24-year-old athlete to express his thoughts. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? 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. He said they also confiscated several weapons and cash, including some from a secret compartment in Rivera's car. 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). "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. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the suspects still at large can contact Crime Alert Berks County via anonymous text to 847411, starting the message with keyword alertberks, or by calling 877-373-9913. Takaria Vashon McCray, 47, was sentenced on Aug. 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 188 . Victims of the overdoses suffered low heart rates and high blood pressure, Adams said. "This case is a testament to the millions of men, women, and children who are trafficked worldwide and, in every city, suburb, and town in this great commonwealth.". Detectives arrested the alleged leader of the organization, Luis Pacheco, and his main underling, Jose Antonio Torres-Rodriguez, while serving the search warrant at 343 S. 7th Street. 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. 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. "The principals in the other organization were identified as Carlos Balestier-Marrero, Nelson Rivera and David Delacruz.". All Rights Reserved. Robinson was sentenced in December 2021 to 7 to 15 years in state prison. There was a problem saving your notification. "During this investigation, troopers determined that Irizarry was associated with numerous other significant illegal drug traffickers," Adams said. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Detectives from the Berks County District Attorneys Office have dismantled a large-scale illegal drug distribution network headquartered in the south side of the City of Reading. of marijuana (street value of $31,783), 791 grams of bulk MDMA (street value of $7,919), in addition to various pistols and rifles. / . 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. "Clearly, the ones that have the high bails were the leaders of this corrupt organization.". An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Those charges were later dropped. 12 suspects are in prison and more than $1 million of drugs were seized in a large drug bust in Schuylkill County. Individuals were arrested Thursday in an early-morning round-up. Sheriff's Office By Tyler Hayden Thu May 06, 2021 | 7:49am Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. 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. Adams said that a Reading Hospital doctor told him that ingesting the powerful cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning. Peterson first condemned Hamlin on Sunday . The combined law enforcement team utilized all investigative means and tools at their disposal. 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. Montgomery Co. Drug Bust Yields 32 Arrests; Tip From Family Of An Addict Helped Crack Case. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Investigators said they obtained and served search warrants at these locations on Nov. 3 and 4. Over $16,000 in cash which was believed to be proceeds from previous sales of controlled substances. om . The indictment in USA v. Rhaney et al, dubbed Operation Washout, represents a significant, coordinated attack on . Adams issued a public health alert on Sept. 13 in response to the rash of overdoses. 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. "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. They say it is resistant to Narcan, the drug used to reverse opioid overdoses. 2022 Hugg Media Group. 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? Updated: 4:07 AM EDT September 15, 2021 READING, Pa. Berks County law enforcement officials announced Tuesday they have arrested three suspected drug traffickers allegedly responsible for. READING, Pa. (WPVI) -- A major drug ring operating in Berks County is now out of business. 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. . Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? 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. The health crisis began Saturday at 1 p.m. when Adams office was notified of a large number of overdoses were being seen at Reading Hospital. If you know the. You have permission to edit this article. 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). Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. The symptoms are lasting days and not hours or minutes. ", DOWNLOAD:FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APP, SUBSCRIBE:Good Day Digest Newsletter|FOX 29 Philly on YouTube. 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. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? "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," Adams said. "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. Police also seized $4,187 vials of cocaine (street value of $41,800), 508 grams of bulk methamphetamine (street value of $50,800), 7lbs. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Investigators also seized narcotics, drug packaging materials, and a firearm. "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. The bust happened at the Candlewood Suites on Copeland Avenue in La Crosse Tuesday. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Postal workers also came in close contact with the heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. 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. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. Search . ", "I call fentanyl the common denominator of death.". The female victims received payments from the customers which they would then turn over to either Rivera, Ellis or Thompson. 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. "/> Polk county wi drug bust 2021 lincoln mark v forum. Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams and Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced Thursday that twenty-seven defendants were charged with operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgomery, and other surrounding counties. That does not mean the source has been eliminated completely, 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? Crime Alert Berks County: Two sought in theft of $150,000 worth of jewelry. 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. Authorities arrested Dean DaSilva in Shillington and William Roman-Aponte in Reading. 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. Subscribe today: 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, J-Van Body awarded state loan to produce specialty vans for people with disabilities, Boutiques showcase bridal, sportswear and date night chic in West Reading Fashion Show. Papademetriou said his organization provides Narcan with no questions asked and urged people to arm themselves with it. 15 of the 24 suspected mid-level drug dealers are now in police custody. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. There was an error processing your request. ENTERTAINMENT. Law enforcement officials raided a home in the 100 block of Walnut Street in Reading on Tuesday and arrested three people. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Officials believe the blue bags that have been found contain heroin, fentanyl, lidocaine, xylazine and clonidine. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; 35 780-113(a)(31) Possession of small amount of marijuana; Source: Douglass Township Police Department. 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. 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 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. Over the course of the investigation, detectives said they also seized six handguns, $60,000 cash and 40 cell phones. Berks County Courthouse . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Following up on leads, Vice investigators were able to obtain a search warrant for the second floor of 343 North 8th Street. "They have polluted this community and, frankly, they have polluted many communities throughout our state with this poison," Adams said. Since Sunday, officers from the Reading Police Department and the district attorneys office have executed three search warrants in the city. FINANCE. 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? Search. Error! Information on charges and bail was taken from court documents. . MAIL. 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. Those numbers are shocking, astronomical, Adams said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. Home in the 100 block of Walnut Street in Reading eliminated completely, said. 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