Here's what to know. You have permission to edit this article. Takaria Vashon McCray, 47, was sentenced on Aug. 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 188 . June 24, 2014, 1:44 PM. 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. All Rights Reserved. "During that six months, we determined that this organization was responsible for distributing over $10 million of controlled substances," Adams said. On 16 June 2014, Wayda was arrested in Toms River, NJ. Those highlighted in red are in custody the others are still at large. . "This amount is a fairly conservative estimate.". Search form. Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced the completion of Operation Ice Out on Wednesday. Success! Over the course of the investigation, dubbed Operation Caribbean Snowfall, two undercover officers infiltrated this organization and purchased bulk quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. NFL running back Adrian Peterson, who was furious after seeing Damar Hamlin's jacket at the Super Bowl, said he has now personally reached out to the 24-year-old athlete to express his thoughts. Law enforcement officials raided a home in the 100 block of Walnut Street in Reading on Tuesday and arrested three people. Authorities have busted a large-scale drug operation that was centered in Berks County but stretched far beyond its border. 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Papademetriou in the Berks County Services Center to drive home the importance of the crisis. Khmelnytsky, Ukraine. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The person police said ran it all? I would like to take this time to publicly commend them for all their efforts and hard work that often go unnoticed. The blue bags seem to be the bags that contain the substances that are causing all of the overdoses in our community, Adams said. Investigators said they believe the drugs came into Schuylkill from Luzerne County, although they are unaware how the drugs were transported to Luzerne. BCTV is a community driven content platform. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Crime Map; Site; Home; About Us. qy. Now officials believe there is another unknown substance in the drug cocktail causing the overdoses. 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. "Clearly, the ones that have the high bails were the leaders of this corrupt organization.". Authorities said they also seized nine vehicles, more than $200,000 in cash, and 21 guns during the searches. SEARCH. Pa. lawmakers spend millions of tax dollars on private lawyers but often dont reveal why, EPA Seeks PA Comments on Stricter Methane Rules, Pa. Election Day 2022: Complete guide to the Nov. 8 election, including how to vote, find your polling place, understand mail ballots, and more, PennDOT Invites Public Comment on Lenhartsville Bridge Project, Learn to Record and Produce your Own Podcast, Twenty-seven and half (27.5) kilograms of cocaine were seized (bulk value $770,000.00 / potential street value of $2.7 million), Five and half (5.5) kilograms of fentanyl were seized (bulk value $203,500.00 / potential street value of $1.6 million), Four (4) hydraulic floor jacks, steel plates, steel H frame for the pressing of kilos of cocaine and heroin/fentanyl, Over one hundred-twenty (120) rounds ammunition, Over $60,000.00 U.S. currency believed to be the proceeds of the sales of controlled substances. Detectives learned that the Norristown drug dealer was being supplied with bulk quantities of the illegal drug by an organization with ties to Reading, PA. Based on this information, Montgomery County Detectives teamed up with Berks County Detectives who jointly initiated an investigation with the goal of identifying the method and means of this organization and attempt to identify the ultimate source or sources of supply. 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. Success! - . 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 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. Adams said that all of the suspects, if convicted, face substantial jail time and fines in excess of $100,000. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. Investigators said they obtained and served search warrants at these locations on Nov. 3 and 4. The combined law enforcement team utilized all investigative means and tools at their disposal. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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, Fred Sheeler seeks election for Berks County Recorder of Deeds, J-Van Body awarded state loan to produce specialty vans for people with disabilities. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. "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. 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. Error! The bust happened at the Candlewood Suites on Copeland Avenue in La Crosse Tuesday. berks county drug bust 2021duck jerky dog treats recall. "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. 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. [] 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. Individuals were arrested Thursday in an early-morning round-up. Reading, PA 19601 p. 610-478-6208. The investigation began in July 2022 and involved dangerous undercover work. 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? Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Authorities said he's 46-year-old Carlos Lopez Rosado, who coordinated some deals from inside a federal prison in Schuylkill County. 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 The investigation began in February, when state police began looking into the alleged drug trafficking activities of a Reading man, identified as Luis Irizarry. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. They said they also nabbed Devon Given of Lancaster, who's accused of helping to supply Rivera with bulk quantities of K2. Victims of the overdoses suffered low heart rates and high blood pressure, Adams said. Perform a free Berks County, PA public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. Several suspects were arrested and drugs were seized. 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. 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