Berks County authorities announced the arrest of 48 people during an undercover investigation known as "Operation Tourniquet". [] 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. 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. 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. Some patients have complained of hallucinations and shortness of breath, he added. The investigation revealed that many of the suspects involved were also actively engaged in their own enterprise of selling many kinds of illegal drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, and prescription pills, officials said. "These defendants were a very successful drug trafficking operation until now," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. 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? The symptoms are lasting days and not hours or minutes. 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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 arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. . BCTV is a community driven content platform. The investigation was part of the departments Operation Cease Fire initiative, which is designed to reduce violence through the use of targeted enforcement details. Several suspects were arrested and drugs were seized. 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. The other organization, officials said, orchestrated deliveries of methamphetamine from other areas of the United States, including Los Angeles, with plans to deliver the drug to surrounding counties, including Lancaster, Lehigh, and Schuylkill. 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. Breezy at times too.. Mostly cloudy with a shower possible late. 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. ", DOWNLOAD:FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APP, SUBSCRIBE:Good Day Digest Newsletter|FOX 29 Philly on YouTube. Here's what to know. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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. Officials believe the blue bags that have been found contain heroin, fentanyl, lidocaine, xylazine and clonidine. 2001 - 20097 10 . "Where they were investigating parcels of cocaine and fentanyl being shipped via the United States Postal Service Priority Express Mail, which originated in Mexico, then to Puerto Rico," Adams said. ", "I call fentanyl the common denominator of death.". Authorities said he's 46-year-old Carlos Lopez Rosado, who coordinated some deals from inside a federal prison in Schuylkill County. 15 of the 24 suspected mid-level drug dealers are now in police custody. 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. Adams said that six individuals believed to be involved in the ring remain at large. Berks County. Search form. You have permission to edit this article. AUGUSTA, GA - Eight men and one woman have been named in a newly unsealed federal indictment for taking part in a major drug trafficking conspiracy that funneled cocaine and other drugs from Atlanta to the Waynesboro, Ga., area. Tornielli said his department received complaints about illegal drug sales coming from a home in the 300 block of North 8th Street. Reading, PA 19601 p. 610-478-6208. By noon Tuesday, the overdoses increased to 101, Adams said. Wednesdays raid should serve as a message to those in the illegal drug trade, the DA said. 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An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. That does not mean the source has been eliminated completely, Adams said. . Analysis Specialist. "Numerous parcels destined for residences in Reading, Pa., were intercepted and seized by the postal service," Adams said. Your contribution makes community media possible. About 250 blue glassine packets each containing suspected heroin/fentanyl. The investigation was forwarded to the WRPD Criminal. 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. Now officials believe there is another unknown substance in the drug cocktail causing the overdoses. The group smuggled bulk quantities of cocaine through the mail from Puerto Rico to Berks County, officials said. A woman was also arrested inShillington and charged. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. "This is an example of the violence of this organization, and I'm hopeful that our streets will be much safer with these individuals now incarcerated," Adams said," Adams said. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. 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!' He was returned to Lancaster County on 3 July 2014 and was arraigned on the charges from the three departments (Manor, Manheim & East Hempfield Townships P.D.'s) his bail was set at $100,000. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Twelve of 14 suspects are in prison, while the other two remain at large. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. By David Chang Published October 14, 2021 Updated on October 15, 2021 at 11:06 am NBC Universal, Inc. Police arrested six people accused of taking part in a massive drug trafficking. How Supreme Court ruling could affect how we use social media. About Us; For Criminal Justice; For the Public; In the News; Directory. 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? 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. Crime Map; Site; Home; About Us. 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. Statewide, DAs have raked in more than $64 million in cash using the procedure in that time. "Human trafficking is prevalent in our own communities within the commonwealth," said Major Jeremy Richard, director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. "Detectives from the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office identified a drug dealer operating in Norristown that was distributing cocaine," Adams said. Police also seized $4,187 vials of cocaine (street value of $41,800), 508 grams of bulk methamphetamine (street value of $50,800), 7lbs. It is also part of a larger initiative by the Moran administration to ensure the community has safe streets and neighborhoods. SPORTS. Here's what to know. These parcels were searched, and numerous kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl were discovered and seized. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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? WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor "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. Santoro said that after patients use one bag they become tired and fall asleep for a lengthy period. "This amount is a fairly conservative estimate.". Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. 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. 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. A total of twenty-three mid to high-level suspects were identified and charged with committing offenses involving violations of the PA Crimes . We have stopped some sources of these drugs, Adams said. Breezy at times too.. 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