By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Tornielli said his department received complaints about illegal drug sales coming from a home in the 300 block of North 8th Street. Since Sunday, officers from the Reading Police Department and the district attorneys office have executed three search warrants in the city. Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. All Rights Reserved. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. LIFE. The combined law enforcement team utilized all investigative means and tools at their disposal. The six-month probe, dubbed "Operation Last Hurrah," culminated Wednesday morning with approximately 125 state and local law enforcement officers fanning out across the city and surrounding suburbs, armed with dozens of arrest and search warrants. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Papademetriou said his organization provides Narcan with no questions asked and urged people to arm themselves with it. Officials: 3 arrested in human trafficking ring in Berks County. Many of the chemical compounds are typical to what investigators find in street drugs, Adam said. 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. 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. Assorted packaging material, processing equipment, and a large amount of cutting agents all related to the packaging and processing heroin and cocaine. We promise, as we have promised previously, we will continue to investigate and prosecute these peddlers of poison in our community, he said. In May 2021, PSP provided the results of its investigation to Pennsylvania Senior Deputy Attorney General Heather Castellino for presentment to the 45th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. LinkedIn, . "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. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. Authorities have busted a large-scale drug operation that was centered in Berks County but stretched far beyond its border. They put their victims lives at risk for a profit," said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. Additionally, numerous parcels destined for residences in Reading, PA were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors. 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. 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. "Stop selling your poison in our communities, because it's not going to be tolerated," Steele said, "and with these arrests, I think we severed a pipeline in our region.". Postal workers also came in close contact with the heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. "This large amount of fentanyl was seized at 122 Pennwyn Place, the location where Daniel Delacruz was operating from.". There was a problem saving your notification. Adams did not specify how the locations and suspects were connected to the blue packets that caused the September overdoses. 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). (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. Officials believe the blue bags that have been found contain heroin, fentanyl, lidocaine, xylazine and clonidine. Error! I look at this as more of a poisoning rather than an overdose.. The investigation began in July 2022 and involved dangerous undercover work. Here's what to know. Those highlighted in red are in custody the others are still at large. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. PHOTOS: Drug bust in Berks, Lancaster, Schuylkill counties, 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, 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. Information on charges and bail was taken from court documents. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. "This is an example of the violence of this organization, and I'm hopeful that our streets will be much safer with these individuals now incarcerated," Adams said," Adams said. 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.. 2001 - 20097 10 . They say it is resistant to Narcan, the drug used to reverse opioid overdoses. 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. READING, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Police announced Monday that charges have been filed against three people connected to a drug . Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. PHOTOS: Suspects in Berks County drug bust. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. The suspected members of the drug ring taken into custody Wednesday were: Adams did not provide ages or addresses for the suspects. There was a problem saving your notification. The investigation culminated with millions of dollars worth of drugs being taken off the streets and a major operation now out of service. 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. READING, Pa. - Several people are behind bars as part of an investigation of an alleged drug trafficking organization that spanned three counties. were among 23 people charged after the investigation of a Berks Source: West Reading Police Department Charges: Here's what to know. Perform a free Berks County, PA public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. You have permission to edit this article. Authorities announced the arrest of 48 people during an undercover investigation known as "Operation. As a result of the investigation, Maximino Lopez Suarez, age 34, and Jesse William Garcia, age 24, were taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and criminal conspiracy. "The investigation revealed that Irizarry was being was being supplied by at least two distinct organizations.". The Berks County Arrest Records Search (Pennsylvania) links below open in a new window and take you to third party websites that provide access to Berks County public records. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? A total of twenty-three mid to high-level suspects were identified and charged with committing offenses involving violations of the PA Crimes . Search . 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? The defendants were preliminary arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Gail Greth. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Individuals were arrested Thursday in an early-morning round-up. 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. 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. . The group smuggled bulk quantities of cocaine through the mail from Puerto Rico to Berks County, officials said. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. 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. 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. - . This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Adams issued a public health alert on Sept. 13 in response to the rash of overdoses. "Then those packages and parcels were destined to come to Reading.". Berks Countians agree wholeheartedly, as they've voted SMYMCA Best Summer Camp seven years in a row. District Attorney John T. Adams announced during a press conference Thursday that raids the previous day of six locations in Reading and one in Birdsboro had netted 17 arrests. Adams said the arrests made this week do not represent the end of the investigation. The investigation was part of the departments Operation Cease Fire initiative, which is designed to reduce violence through the use of targeted enforcement details. Some patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he added. There was an error processing your request. The person police said ran it all? 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. We will continue until we can stamp out the ultimate source.. qy. This does not match the symptoms we would expect from xylazine (the horse tranquilizer), Santoro said. Authorities said Noel Rivera, 28, ran the organization out of Berks County. Adams said that all of the suspects, if convicted, face substantial jail time and fines in excess of $100,000. READING, Pa. Investigators dub it "Operation Caribbean Snowfall.". Crime Map. HOME. Berks County. 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. On 16 June 2014, Wayda was arrested in Toms River, NJ. About 250 blue glassine packets each containing suspected heroin/fentanyl. Law enforcement quickly leapt into action, and by Sunday afternoon, Reading police and Berks County detectives executed a search warrant in the 200 block of North Eighth Street. 2022 Hugg Media Group. YAHOO PLUS. The district attorney said that the intelligence gathered during the investigation showed that the street level dealers who were arrested in September got the drugs they sold from the targets of Wednesdays raids. 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. 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. Bail was set at $1,000,000 for each defendant. That is why charges like involuntary manslaughter or assault are not being levied. "Quite frankly, the common denominator involved in the deaths from the use of these drugs is the fact that, many times, the cocaine, the heroin, and the methamphetamine are mixed with fentanyl, which is a very lethal drug and is leading to our overdose deaths, again, increasing in this county," Adams said. Collectively, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Lancaster, York, Berks, Lebanon and Lehigh counties have nearly doubled their share of forfeited cash since 2012. 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. 15 of the 24 suspected mid-level drug dealers are now in police custody. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. 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. FINANCE. There was an error processing your request. 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. 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But we do believe there are other sources and they may still be active.. 12 suspects are in prison and more than $1 million of drugs were seized in a large drug bust in Schuylkill County. 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. Theyve been working tirelessly around the clock to conduct directed patrols further investigations and prevent acts of violence in our community. "The principals in the other organization were identified as Carlos Balestier-Marrero, Nelson Rivera and David Delacruz.". The investigation was forwarded to the WRPD Criminal. "During this investigation, troopers determined that Irizarry was associated with numerous other significant illegal drug traffickers," Adams said. Authorities said the organization's leader was Carlos Lopez Rosado, an inmate at a federal prison in Schuylkill County. "It made a big dent in that specific organization's income and supply," Pentheny said, "but just like anything else, you arrest one person and there's multiple people lining up to take their 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. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Several of the 27 suspects were arrested in a roundup early Thursday morning. 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. 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. Some of the patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said. 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. 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