Berks County, Pennsylvania, officials have reported one of the largest drug busts in the county's history. The operation, dubbed "Operation Trapped," resulted in the seizure of drugs with a total street value of over $1.2 million. The raids took place at multiple locations early Friday morning, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as large-scale distributors of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The suspects, Selwyn Alcala-Garcia, Rashan Brinkley, and Marcial Cooper, were arrested during the raids. The operation began in late April and took nearly five months due to the extensive surveillance required. According to Berks County District Attorney John Adams, "During the investigation, Garcia, Brinkley, and Cooper were identified as large-scale distributors of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Detectives made numerous undercover purchases in conjunction with intensive surveillance of these three individuals and their various stash locations."
The investigators searched locations on Tulpehocken Street, North 10th Street, and Birch Street in Reading, and on Emerson Avenue in Laureldale. They also had warrants to search eight vehicles associated with the investigation. Five of these vehicles had secret compartments, or "traps," all of which hid either drugs or guns.
The authorities seized 2.4 pounds of crack cocaine, more than 6 pounds of powder cocaine, around 11 pounds of methamphetamine, and about 8 pounds of fentanyl. They also confiscated drug paraphernalia, several guns, ammunition, and cash. All three suspects are currently in Berks County Jail on one million dollars bail, facing a number of charges, including possession with intent to deliver and criminal conspiracy. The investigation is ongoing.