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. 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. 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. The investigation culminated with millions of dollars worth of drugs being taken off the streets and a major operation now out of service. 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. 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. Tornielli said his department received complaints about illegal drug sales coming from a home in the 300 block of North 8th Street. David Mekeel is a general assignment reporter for the Reading Eagle. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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!' 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. Subsequently, they were committed to Berks County Jail. Here's what to know. Search . "Numerous parcels destined for residences in Reading, Pa., were intercepted and seized by the postal service," Adams said. A 25-year-old Berks County man has been charged with sexual abuse of a child, along with other charges. 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. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. Error! ENTERTAINMENT. 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, 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. "Detectives from the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office identified a drug dealer operating in Norristown that was distributing cocaine," Adams said. Some patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he added. Authorities announced criminal charges against 27 people for allegedly operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Berks, Montgom. 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. As of Thursday afternoon, 17 of the 27 defendants were in custody following raids in the early-morning hours. The female victims received payments from the customers which they would then turn over to either Rivera, Ellis or Thompson. People who take the drugs experience a variety of symptoms. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 15 of the 24 suspected mid-level drug dealers are now in police custody. For kids ages 6 to 17, South Mountain YMCA Camps (SMYMCA) is the perfect destination for adventure, friendship and lifelong memories. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Bond: $10,000. Here's what to know. Error! 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, 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. 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. Information on charges and bail was taken from court documents. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Authorities said they seized evidence that included 27.5 kilograms of cocaine with a potential street value of $2.7 million and 5.5 kilograms of fentanyl with a potential street value of $1.6 million. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. By noon Tuesday, the overdoses increased to 101, Adams said. But we do believe there are other sources and they may still be active.. Over 100 law enforcement officers raided those seven locations dismantling the ring in an effort designated Operation SmackDown. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. "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. The arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. 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. June 24, 2014, 1:44 PM. 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. How Supreme Court ruling could affect how we use social media. 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. 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 website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. It is also part of a larger initiative by the Moran administration to ensure the community has safe streets and neighborhoods. 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. Adams said the arrests made this week do not represent the end of the investigation. Authorities said the organization's leader was Carlos Lopez Rosado, an inmate at a federal prison in Schuylkill County. "We will extradite them from anywhere to face justice here in our county.". Success! "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. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. During the search warrant, Jayson Cuadrado, 38, and Dimitri Ortega, 28, were taken into custody and charged with felony drug and related charges. 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. 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. Adams said that all of the suspects, if convicted, face substantial jail time and fines in excess of $100,000. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? 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. Seal pup rescued trying to cross highway in Ocean County, Biden to nominate Julie Su as US labor secretary, U-Haul leads police on 90 mph chase through more than 50 streets across Philadelphia, Police investigate deadly box truck, cherry picker accident in Mercer County, Toddler drops bottle near orangutan at LA Zoo: Watch what happens next, Questions remain about accused killer of Temple police officer: 'I wish I could explain it', I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K. Clearly, a bad batch of drugs landed in our community, and we are taking steps to stamp out this problem.. He has been a journalist since 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper. A WRPD Officer responded, spoke to the victim and initiated an investigation. Victims of the overdoses suffered low heart rates and high blood pressure, Adams said. Campers can experience a variety of activities from archery to horseback riding. He said they also confiscated several weapons and cash, including some from a secret compartment in Rivera's car. "They have armed themselves with weapons, to protect their illegal activities.". Crime Alert Berks County: Two sought in theft of $150,000 worth of jewelry. 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 . During this phase of the investigation, it became apparent that this organization may have been tied to a United States Postal Service (USPS) case where they were investigating parcels of cocaine and fentanyl being shipped via United States Postal Service priority express mail, originating in Mexico to Puerto Rico and destined for Reading, PA. An analysis of intelligence and data suggested that the best course of action to neutralize this criminal enterprise would be non-consensual interception of certain members communications. . 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. "These defendants were a very successful drug trafficking operation until now," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. Investigators said they believe the drugs came into Schuylkill from Luzerne County, although they are unaware how the drugs were transported to Luzerne. Two-thirds of the patients that have presented with overdose symptoms had to be hospitalized, he added. . 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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. "Clearly, the ones that have the high bails were the leaders of this corrupt organization.". Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. The symptoms are lasting days and not hours or minutes. 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. "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.". They put their victims lives at risk for a profit," said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. The investigation began in February, when state police began looking into the alleged drug trafficking activities of a Reading man, identified as Luis Irizarry. Success! "Were working with our state law enforcement partners to seek out and shut down human trafficking throughout Pennsylvania. 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