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. The bust happened at the Candlewood Suites on Copeland Avenue in La Crosse Tuesday. MAIL. The group smuggled bulk quantities of cocaine through the mail from Puerto Rico to Berks County, officials said. 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. I look at this as more of a poisoning rather than an overdose.. Several of the 27 suspects were arrested in a roundup early Thursday morning. 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. 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. Search . The indictment in USA v. Rhaney et al, dubbed Operation Washout, represents a significant, coordinated attack on . There was a problem saving your notification. Berks Countians agree wholeheartedly, as they've voted SMYMCA Best Summer Camp seven years in a row. 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.". Here's what to know. The blue bags seem to be the bags that contain the substances that are causing all of the overdoses in our community, Adams said. Collectively, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Lancaster, York, Berks, Lebanon and Lehigh counties have nearly doubled their share of forfeited cash since 2012. We're coming to get you,"O'Pake said. Your contribution makes community media possible. Authorities said they charged the defendants with committing offenses involving violations of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and the Pennsylvania 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. Reading, PA 19601 p. 610-478-6208. Here's what to know. Assorted packaging material, processing equipment, and a large amount of cutting agents all related to the packaging and processing heroin and cocaine. Peterson first condemned Hamlin on Sunday . Statewide, DAs have raked in more than $64 million in cash using the procedure in that time. Success! Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. 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. "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 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 . That is why charges like involuntary manslaughter or assault are not being levied. Search. 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. Over the course of the investigation, dubbed Operation Caribbean Snowfall, two undercover officers infiltrated this organization and purchased bulk quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. 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? Those taken into custody include Aurelio Carrazana-Sanchez, the suspected head of the ring. "These seized parcels contained four kilograms of cocaine," Adams said. "The total seizure in drugs is approximately $294,000 worth of drugs on the street," said RPD Capt. There was a problem saving your notification. Khmelnytsky, Ukraine. 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. Adams said that a Reading Hospital doctor told him that ingesting the powerful cocktail amounted to an outright poisoning. 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. Several suspects were arrested and drugs were seized. 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. 12 suspects are in prison and more than $1 million of drugs were seized in a large drug bust in Schuylkill County. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? As of Thursday afternoon, 17 of the 27 defendants were in custody following raids in the early-morning hours. 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. That does not mean the source has been eliminated completely, Adams said. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. "During that six months, we determined that this organization was responsible for distributing over $10 million of controlled substances," Adams said. 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). Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. 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. Individuals were arrested Thursday in an early-morning round-up. Error! A woman was also arrested inShillington and charged. 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. of marijuana (street value of $31,783), 791 grams of bulk MDMA (street value of $7,919), in addition to various pistols and rifles. 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 Weekly is an independent, locally owned digital newspaper covering the latest regional news and headlines in the City of Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. 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. Analysis Specialist. 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. Girl, 8, hailed a hero for actions during medical emergency, caring for baby brother, 4 retail shops opening soon in downtown Allentown, Community members address 'After School Satan Club' at Saucon Valley school board meeting, DA: Man threatened Saucon Valley School District because he was angry over After School Satan Club, DA: Fentanyl a factor in increasing overdose deaths, State agents arrest Georgia man with more than 3 pounds of meth, 2020 overdose deaths highest-ever recorded in Berks, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran announces reelection bid, Reading Planning Commission tables final plan for church campus, Pa. state senators announce bill that would crack down on distracted driving, Police seeking suspect in Colebrookdale robbery, kidnapping, 69 News speaks with Pa. Lt. Gov. BCTV is a community driven content platform. "Numerous parcels destined for residences in Reading, Pa., were intercepted and seized by the postal service," Adams said. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. "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. 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? Some patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he added. 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. & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; 35 780-113(a)(31) Possession of small amount of marijuana; Source: Douglass Township Police Department. Stormcenter - School / Business Application. You have permission to edit this article. 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 - . Theyve been working tirelessly around the clock to conduct directed patrols further investigations and prevent acts of violence in our community. 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. A WRPD Officer responded, spoke to the victim and initiated an investigation. "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.". Reading police, the District Attorneys Offices drug task force, state police and officials from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agencies worked together to launch an intensive joint investigation to discover the source of the tainted drugs. This investigation, its subsequent arrests, and the seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs and firearms will undoubtedly make that neighborhood and our city safer said Tornielli. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Search. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Some of the patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said. Authorities in Bucks County have charged Christian Ochoa, 28, of Laredo, Texas, in connection with a multi-million dollar drug bust that District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said removed kilos of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from local streets. Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams and Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced Friday that 27 people were charged with operating a large-scale drug trafficking. The arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. 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. Officers representing several agencies executed warrants to search two addresses in the county, one on Meade Terrace in Shillington and the other on South Seventh Street in Reading, following a city police vice unit investigation. The overdose crisis in Berks County rages on, he said. LinkedIn . ", DOWNLOAD:FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APP, SUBSCRIBE:Good Day Digest Newsletter|FOX 29 Philly on YouTube. Two-thirds of the patients that have presented with overdose symptoms had to be hospitalized, he added. Police also seized $4,187 vials of cocaine (street value of $41,800), 508 grams of bulk methamphetamine (street value of $50,800), 7lbs. Search form. "Where they were investigating parcels of cocaine and fentanyl being shipped via the United States Postal Service Priority Express Mail, which originated in Mexico, then to Puerto Rico," Adams said. 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 arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. Since Sunday, officers from the Reading Police Department and the district attorneys office have executed three search warrants in the city. All Rights Reserved. Bail was set at $1,000,000 for each defendant. The suspected members of the drug ring taken into custody Wednesday were: Adams did not provide ages or addresses for the suspects. In early 2020, a confidential source provided information that led PSP Organized Crime Unit investigators to develop several leads and to identify multiple victims involved in the human trafficking ring. LIFE. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Takaria Vashon McCray, 47, was sentenced on Aug. 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 188 . 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.. 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. All Rights Reserved. The person police said ran it all? Jeremy worked as a photojournalist for the Lebanon Daily News for seven years before coming to the Reading Eagle. Two of the three raids recovered 500 blue bags that contained heroin, fentanyl and other drugs, Adams said. "It's a very significant drug bust, being the amount of narcotics that were seized, including the amount of heroin and fentanyl, especially since we're seeing an uptick in overdoses," Pentheny said. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? You can also contact Crime Alert Berks County by sending a text to 847411, starting the message with keyword alertberks, or by calling 877-373-9913. The investigation was part of the departments Operation Cease Fire initiative, which is designed to reduce violence through the use of targeted enforcement details. 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. Adams issued a public health alert Monday in the wake of a weekend that saw about 70 overdose patients treated in local hospitals after they ingested a powerful drug cocktail that included a tranquilizer used by veterinarians to sedate horses. Packaging and processing heroin and cocaine on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor.. Are in prison and more than $ 1 million of drugs were in... $ 64 million in cash using the procedure in that time tirelessly around the to. Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $ 35 for many people diabetes. O'Pake said complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he added was sentenced on 25... 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