Major Montco Drug Ring Busted, 6,600 Doses Of Fentanyl Seized: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — Five major drug traffickers were arrested and more than 6,600 doses of the lethal opioid, fentanyl, were seized during a major bust recently in Montgomery County, officials announced on Thursday afternoon.

In addition to the five major traffickers, another 20 suspects have been charged, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

In addition to fentanyl, the organization sold methamphetamine, crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana throughout Montgomery County, and Lehigh and Berks counties as well, officials said.

Fentanyl, described by authorities as 50 times more deadly than heroin, is often the culprit in overdose deaths. Drug users may believe they are ingesting heroin, but instead get something even more dangerous.

During a press conference Thursday, authorities detailed the painstaking, months-long investigation dubbed "Operation Poison Control" that led to the arrests. Police relied on electronic surveillance, search warrants, court orders, nine confidential informants, tips from three members of the public, and more to bring charges against the suspects.

The leading traffickers included three Pottstown residents: Jerome Tucker, 63, Christopher Saunders, 25, and Aaron Ramseure, 31, the DA's Office said. In addition, leading traffickers David Cooper, 43, of Muhlenberg, and Miguel Figueroa Jr., 34, of Reading were also arrested. They face charges of corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, and related counts.

In addition to the seizure of 6,600 doses of fentanyl - 198.6 grams - authorities also seized seven handguns (one with the serial number filed off), more than $34,000 in cash, and numerous drug-packaging materials, officials said. A Pennsylvania State Trooper found the stash hidden in a secret compartment inside the suspects' Honda Odyssey. It was not found on the first search of the vehicle by police.

District Attorney Kevin Steele blamed these suspects for fanning the flames of the opioid epidemic that has gripped the county and the nation over the past several years.

"These men were dealing in death," Steele said in a statement. "They were delivering the poison that has fueled the addictions and overdoses that have affected so many people in Montgomery County and the surrounding region."

Bail was set at $1 million for Cooper, Figueroa, Ramseure, and Saunders, and at $250,000 for Tucker. ALl five failed to make bail and were taken to Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Preliminary hearings are set for July 12.

Images via Shutterstock (top) and Montgomery County District Attorney's Office (body)