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. 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're coming to get you,"O'Pake said. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. People who take the drugs experience a variety of symptoms. 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. By Reading Eagle. Assorted packaging material, processing equipment, and a large amount of cutting agents all related to the packaging and processing heroin and cocaine. "They have armed themselves with weapons, to protect their illegal activities.". "This was a multi-million dollar drug organization with connections as far west as Los Angeles, California, as far south as Puerto Rico," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams, who. Berks County. Success! This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. "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. Bail was set at $1,000,000 for each defendant. 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. Information on charges and bail was taken from court documents. "These seized parcels contained four kilograms of cocaine," Adams said. READING, Pa. Investigators dub it "Operation Caribbean Snowfall.". Damar Hamlin's Super Bowl Jacket Condemned And Called Blasphemous By Adrian Peterson, Fans Defend Hamlin. Error! All Rights Reserved. June 24, 2014, 1:44 PM. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. 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. Investigators said they believe the drugs came into Schuylkill from Luzerne County, although they are unaware how the drugs were transported to Luzerne. (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. READING, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Police announced Monday that charges have been filed against three people connected to a drug . 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. Jeremy worked as a photojournalist for the Lebanon Daily News for seven years before coming to the Reading Eagle. Adams was joined by Dr. William Santoro, chief of the division of addiction medicine at Tower Health, and Council on Chemical Abuse Executive Director Stanley J. Papademetriou in the Berks County Services Center to drive home the importance of the crisis. Those highlighted in red are in custody the others are still at large. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? It is also part of a larger initiative by the Moran administration to ensure the community has safe streets and neighborhoods. Success! "The investigation revealed that Noel was associated with numerous individuals who either were being supplied by Rivera or assisted Rivera with acquiring bulk quantities of illegal drugs," Adams said. 2022 Hugg Media Group. 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. They said they also nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who's accused of helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2. The investigation was unable to identify the exact source of the drugs used by the people who overdosed and who died, Adams said. & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; 35 780-113(a)(31) Possession of small amount of marijuana; Source: Douglass Township Police Department. Adams said the arrests made this week do not represent the end of the investigation. Peterson first condemned Hamlin on Sunday . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Error! 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 County District Attorney, John Adams, say the investigation began in July 2019 and culminated on November 19, 2020. LinkedIn, . Crime Map; Site; Home; About Us. Error! SHOPPING. Statewide, DAs have raked in more than $64 million in cash using the procedure in that time. You have permission to edit this article. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Some patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he added. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Ghislaine Maxwell lawyer fighting for new trial or conviction reversal, Supreme Court hears New York vs. New Jersey dispute over port watchdog, Surgeon runs down Philadelphia street to retrieve organ from transport vehicle stuck in traffic, 'Silly seal alert!' . Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. of marijuana (street value of $31,783), 791 grams of bulk MDMA (street value of $7,919), in addition to various pistols and rifles. 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.". Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. Crime Alert Berks County: Two sought in theft of $150,000 worth of jewelry. 2001 - 20097 10 . 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. qy. "This was a multi-million dollar drug organization with connections as far west as Los Angeles, California, as far south as Puerto Rico," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams, who announced results of the joint investigation during a news conference in Reading on Thursday. Detectives from Berks and Schuylkill counties, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Reading police teamed up for what they called "Operation Crystal Blue," an investigation targeting an alleged drug trafficking organization operating in Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill counties. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. "Stop selling your poison in our communities, because its not gonna be tolerated, and with these arrests, I think we severed a pipeline in our region," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. "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. "People are dying every day from overdosing on some of the substances that were confiscated in this investigation," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams. Reading, PA 19601 p. 610-478-6208. Over $16,000 in cash which was believed to be proceeds from previous sales of controlled substances. 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. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Authorities said he's 46-year-old Carlos Lopez Rosado, who coordinated some deals from inside a federal prison in Schuylkill County. 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). 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. Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. The combined law enforcement team utilized all investigative means and tools at their disposal. Arnaldo Rodriguez-Rosario, age 30, 609 S. 18 Street, Reading, PA, Stephen Santiago, age 49, 329 Locust Street, Reading, PA, Roberto Cruz-Rodriguez, age 52, 636 S. 17 Street, Reading, PA, Ramon Cruz-Cruz, age 35, 3226 Montrose Ave., Lauredale, PA, Brigido Casilla-Cabral, age 44, 133 West Windsor Street, Reading, PA, Studio & Offices: 401 Penn Street, Reading PA, Suite 162, Alvernia University CollegeTowne. He said they also confiscated several weapons and cash, including some from a secret compartment in Rivera's car. "The individuals charged today manipulated and abused terrified, vulnerable young women. Those charges were later dropped. Here's what to know. In the immediate aftermath of the overdoses, an investigation led to the raid of three locations where street level quantities of the tainted drugs were being sold. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. - . More than $1 million worth of meth, fentanyl and heroin were seized. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Analysis Specialist. For kids ages 6 to 17, South Mountain YMCA Camps (SMYMCA) is the perfect destination for adventure, friendship and lifelong memories. Additionally, numerous parcels destined for residences in Reading, PA were interdicted and seized by USPS Inspectors. 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. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. If you know the whereabouts of Sanabria or Matthew, call the Berks County detectives at 610-478-7171. READING, Pa. - Several people are behind bars as part of an investigation of an alleged drug trafficking organization that spanned three counties. Other evidence seized includes four hydraulic floor jacks, steel plates, and a steel H-frame for the pressing of cocaine and heroin/fentanyl, authorities said. - . 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. Over the course of the investigation, detectives said they also seized six handguns, $60,000 cash and 40 cell phones. Hector M. Rivera, 50, of Reading, PA; Dushawn O. Ellis, 31, of Reading, PA; and Bridget M. Thompson, 36, of Lancaster, PA were charged with various crimes related to corrupt organizations, trafficking individuals, prostitution, and other related offenses. When they wake up they are disoriented, have trouble walking, are weak, have a slow heart rate and their blood pressure is up, he said. | Credit: Courtesy of S.B. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. "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. About Us; For Criminal Justice; For the Public; In the News; Directory. Investigators also seized narcotics, drug packaging materials, and a firearm. Some of the patients admitted into the hospital on Saturday are still experiencing symptoms today, the doctor said. Error! The suspected members of the drug ring still at large are: Further details about them were unavailable. 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 . An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 'Operation Caribbean Snowfall' takes down major drug trafficking ring, WATCH: News conference on 'Operation Caribbean Snowfall', 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, 3 more people apprehended in multi-county drug bust, Five suspects still sought in 'Operation Caribbean Snowfall' drug investigation, Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, 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.