But that was just the tip of the iceberg. LinkedIn . Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. June 24, 2014, 1:44 PM. The female victims received payments from the customers which they would then turn over to either Rivera, Ellis or Thompson. "The investigation revealed that Irizarry was being was being supplied by at least two distinct organizations.". This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Success! 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. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. If you know the whereabouts of Sanabria or Matthew, call the Berks County detectives at 610-478-7171. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? Starting in December, a two-month investigation that primarily utilized wire taps identified 23 suspects and seven locations that were points of distribution for a large drug ring believed to be behind the tainted blue packets, Adams said. There was an error processing your request. NEWS. 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. We promise, as we have promised previously, we will continue to investigate and prosecute these peddlers of poison in our community, he said. The combined law enforcement team utilized all investigative means and tools at their disposal. By Reading Eagle. 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. 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. 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. Authorities said he's 46-year-old Carlos Lopez Rosado, who coordinated some deals from inside a federal prison in Schuylkill County. 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. READING, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Police announced Monday that charges have been filed against three people connected to a drug . 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. Search form. were among 23 people charged after the investigation of a Berks Bond: $10,000. qy. Officials believe the blue bags that have been found contain heroin, fentanyl, lidocaine, xylazine and clonidine. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. "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. He has been a journalist since 2006 either as a freelancer or on staff at a local newspaper. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. 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 investigation was part of the departments Operation Cease Fire initiative, which is designed to reduce violence through the use of targeted enforcement details. 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. Tornielli said his department received complaints about illegal drug sales coming from a home in the 300 block of North 8th Street. The investigation began in February, when state police began looking into the alleged drug trafficking activities of a Reading man, identified as Luis Irizarry. 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. 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. Narcan does not reverse the effect of whatever this toxin is, Santoro said. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. Postal workers also came in close contact with the heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. About Us; For Criminal Justice; For the Public; In the News; Directory. 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. Collectively, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Lancaster, York, Berks, Lebanon and Lehigh counties have nearly doubled their share of forfeited cash since 2012. 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. Authorities arrested Dean DaSilva in Shillington and William Roman-Aponte in Reading. "We will extradite them from anywhere to face justice here in our county.". 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. Error! 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. WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor Several of the 27 suspects were arrested in a roundup early Thursday morning. For kids ages 6 to 17, South Mountain YMCA Camps (SMYMCA) is the perfect destination for adventure, friendship and lifelong memories. Bail was set at $1,000,000 for each defendant. Law enforcement officials raided a home in the 100 block of Walnut Street in Reading on Tuesday and arrested three people. Statewide, DAs have raked in more than $64 million in cash using the procedure in that time. Get local news text alerts on your phone: Text "berksweekly" to 610-426-1515 At 423 S. 7th Street, Detectives found approximately 6,000 packets of heroin, with an estimated potential street value $30,000, Approximately $114,000.00 in U.S. currency, two (2) AR style assault rifles, and bulk quantity of a cutting agent. During the raid, drugs with a street value over $500,000 were seized, along with three fully loaded firearms and a large amount of cash, Adams said. Subsequently, they were committed to Berks County Jail. 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. Your contribution makes community media possible. The arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. 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. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. . Individuals were arrested Thursday in an early-morning round-up. . 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. 2022 Hugg Media Group. Santoro said that after patients use one bag they become tired and fall asleep for a lengthy period. "The individuals charged today manipulated and abused terrified, vulnerable young women. The defendants were preliminary arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Gail Greth. 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. Investigators said they obtained and served search warrants at these locations on Nov. 3 and 4. Detectives are still looking for two others, Luis Sanabria, aka "Streetz," and Charles Matthew, aka "Black.". Khmelnytsky, Ukraine. 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 READING, Pa. Investigators dub it "Operation Caribbean Snowfall.". The grand jury concluded that Rivera, Ellis, and Thompson operated a corrupt organization involved in the human trafficking of young women for the commercial sex trade. Seventeen others were apprehended on Thursday; seven remain at large. Clearly, a bad batch of drugs landed in our community, and we are taking steps to stamp out this problem.. Authorities said the organization's leader was Carlos Lopez Rosado, an inmate at a federal prison in Schuylkill County. February 26, 2023 at 8:56 a.m. Carranzana-Sanchez is facing 852 felony charges and 284 misdemeanor charges. At 450 S. 7th Street, Detectives found documents pertaining to the member(s) of the organization, documents pertaining to approximately $87,000.00 in funds from a bank account associated with Luis Madera-Pacheco. 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. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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. Success! "These seized parcels contained four kilograms of cocaine," Adams said. 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. In July of 2022, detectives from the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office identified a drug dealer operating in Norristown, PA who was distributing cocaine. He added that Narcan, an injection used to counter opioid overdoses, was ineffective. 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. "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. Here's what to know. Damar Hamlin's Super Bowl Jacket Condemned And Called Blasphemous By Adrian Peterson, Fans Defend Hamlin. 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. 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. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? Since Sunday, officers from the Reading Police Department and the district attorneys office have executed three search warrants in the city. "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. "Detectives from the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office identified a drug dealer operating in Norristown that was distributing cocaine," Adams said. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. 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. About 250 blue glassine packets each containing suspected heroin/fentanyl. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money, What the Tech? Reading, PA 19601 p. 610-478-6208. 12 suspects are in prison and more than $1 million of drugs were seized in a large drug bust in Schuylkill County. Error! 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. Officials: 3 arrested in human trafficking ring in Berks County. 2. Sixto Cruz, 62; Margos Hernandez, 38; and George L. Cruz, 53, were arrested and charged with possession, possession with the intent to deliver, delivery of heroin and cocaine and criminal conspiracy. 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.. . 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. "This amount is a fairly conservative estimate.". Thompson was responsible for posting advertisements and communicating with customers while Rivera and Ellis utilized drugs to lure some of the victims into prostitution and then control them. "If you're a drug dealer in Schuylkill County be careful. Police also seized $4,187 vials of cocaine (street value of $41,800), 508 grams of bulk methamphetamine (street value of $50,800), 7lbs. 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