HSI Philadelphia, state authorities dismantle K2 drug ring
READING, PA. — Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia announced Thursday the seizure of $2.4 million dollars, 12 kilos of FUB-AMB (a schedule I controlled substance used to manufacture synthetic marijuana K-2), four handguns and magazine and ammunition, 300 pounds of Damiana Leaf (used to manufacture synthetic marijuana K2), and other evidence, following a multiagency investigation by the Reading Police, Vice Unit and Patrol Division, Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force.
“Synthetic drugs like K2 pose a significant health risk to those who use and abuse them. The arrests and drug seizures that resulted from this collaborative investigation deal a serious blow to a large scale drug trafficking ring that pumped dangerous synthetic narcotics into our communities, ” said William Walker, acting deputy special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. “HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the Berks County District Attorney's Office and Reading Police Department to purge the streets of dangerous criminals who import and distribute narcotics in our communities.”
On March 23, 2017, members of the Reading Police Vice Unit, Berks County DA Drug Task Force, and HSI simultaneously served nine search warrants on six homes, one garage and two storage units throughout Berks County. These defendants were wanted for various violations of the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances Act, specifically delivery and manufacturing of synthetic marijuana K2. A total of seventy law enforcement officers participated in this operation.
Arrest warrants were issued by Magisterial District Judge Kowalski and served upon the following six suspects:
- Eric Cintron, Age 36
- Edwin Mendez, Age 34
- Jose Cintron, Age 38
- Miguel Gomez, Age 56
- Joel Solis, Age 34
- Destiny Plaza, Age 28
Charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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