Search. 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. 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. Authorities have busted a large-scale drug operation that was centered in Berks County but stretched far beyond its border. 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. Adams said that all of the suspects, if convicted, face substantial jail time and fines in excess of $100,000. 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. 881. 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. qy. "These 27 defendants are some of the top suppliers of drugs in our region," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. A donation of any size to your nonprofit media organization supports the future of media access in our community - the things you love, and the places you care about, by the people you know. 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. 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. Theyve been working tirelessly around the clock to conduct directed patrols further investigations and prevent acts of violence in our community. "We will extradite them from anywhere to face justice here in our county.". You have permission to edit this article. There was an error processing your request. 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. 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. 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. "They have armed themselves with weapons, to protect their illegal activities.". I would like to take this time to publicly commend them for all their efforts and hard work that often go unnoticed. PHOTOS: Suspects in Berks County drug bust. Takaria Vashon McCray, 47, was sentenced on Aug. 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 188 . Search. Authorities announced the arrest of 48 people during an undercover investigation known as "Operation. Over the course of the investigation, detectives said they also seized six handguns, $60,000 cash and 40 cell phones. I look at this as more of a poisoning rather than an overdose.. 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. 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. "If you're a drug dealer in Schuylkill County be careful. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. June 24, 2014, 1:44 PM. WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor He added that Narcan, an injection used to counter opioid overdoses, was ineffective. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Bail was set at $1,000,000 for each defendant. Crime Alert Berks County: Two sought in theft of $150,000 worth of jewelry. A bad batch of drugs has led to more than 100, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Former West Reading police officer federally indicted in fraudulent body armor scheme for a second time, A bad batch of drugs has led to more than 100 overdoses in Berks County, Former Pottstown man charged in 2016 killing of Berks man, Suspect wanted for robbing, kidnapping customer at Boyertown-area convenience store, Railroad the last stop of a policemans 46-year career, issued a public health alert Monday in the wake of a weekend that saw about 70 overdose patients, State police charge passenger in fatal crash on Interstate 78 in Berks, So-called Lizzie Lincoln house in Exeter Township to be demolished, Reading restaurant is target of second swatting incident in 3 days in Berks, Area family-owned businesses thrive for multiple generations, Stewart's game-winner lifts Wyomissing over Berks Catholic in District 3 Class 4A semifinal, Berks family of 4 displaced by 2-alarm overnight fire, Reading Penn Street shop owner wants more action, less talk about downtown progress, Reading High boys basketball advances to sixth straight final with win over Waynesboro in District 3 Class 6A, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. 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. LinkedIn . Following up on leads, Vice investigators were able to obtain a search warrant for the second floor of 343 North 8th Street. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. READING, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Police announced Monday that charges have been filed against three people connected to a drug . 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. These parcels were searched, and numerous kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl were discovered and seized. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. "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.". 2022 Hugg Media Group. More than $1M worth of drugs seized, 12 suspects in custody after drug bust in Schuylkill County. Raids break up Berks drug ring responsible for, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Former West Reading police officer federally indicted in fraudulent body armor scheme for a second time, Raids break up Berks drug ring responsible for mass overdoses, Maidencreek attorney questions traffic engineer for Route 222 warehouse project, McCarthy defends giving Tucker Carlson Jan. 6 trove access, six individuals believed to be involved in the ring remain at large, State police charge passenger in fatal crash on Interstate 78 in Berks, So-called Lizzie Lincoln house in Exeter Township to be demolished, Reading restaurant is target of second swatting incident in 3 days in Berks, Former Pottstown man charged in 2016 killing of Berks man, Area family-owned businesses thrive for multiple generations, Stewart's game-winner lifts Wyomissing over Berks Catholic in District 3 Class 4A semifinal, Berks family of 4 displaced by 2-alarm overnight fire, Reading Penn Street shop owner wants more action, less talk about downtown progress, Reading High boys basketball advances to sixth straight final with win over Waynesboro in District 3 Class 6A, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. "The investigation revealed that Irizarry was being was being supplied by at least two distinct organizations.". The investigation did not stop there, Adams said. Get local news text alerts on your phone: Text "berksweekly" to 610-426-1515 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. of marijuana (street value of $31,783), 791 grams of bulk MDMA (street value of $7,919), in addition to various pistols and rifles. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. ENTERTAINMENT. 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. READING, Pa. Investigators dub it "Operation Caribbean Snowfall.". 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. "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. "They have polluted this community and, frankly, they have polluted many communities throughout our state with this poison," Adams said. That does not mean the source has been eliminated completely, Adams said. People who take the drugs experience a variety of symptoms. We promise, as we have promised previously, we will continue to investigate and prosecute these peddlers of poison in our community, he said. Here's what to know. A WRPD Officer responded, spoke to the victim and initiated an investigation. One of those organizations, officials said, spanned a vast area, with networks in other Pennsylvania cities, including Allentown, Harrisburg, and York, as well as in Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico. 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. If you know the whereabouts of Sanabria or Matthew, call the Berks County detectives at 610-478-7171. 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. "The individuals charged today manipulated and abused terrified, vulnerable young women. 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.. Those numbers are shocking, astronomical, Adams said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; 35 780-113(a)(31) Possession of small amount of marijuana; Source: Douglass Township Police Department. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Two-thirds of the patients that have presented with overdose symptoms had to be hospitalized, he added. 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. Not stop there, Adams said County but stretched far beyond its border North! 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