Montco Based, Multi-State Meth Trafficking Ring Busted: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — A crystal methamphetamine trafficking ring which operated in multiple states across the country, including in Montgomery County, was busted in November, authorities announced Wednesday. Five leaders of the organization are now in custody.

Since at least April of 2016, the organization has sent more than 350 pounds of meth and marijuana in multiple shipments from California to dealers in Montgomery County and the surrounding area, the District Attorney's Office said.

The suspects arrested by police have been dubbed "The Big Five." They include two Pennsylvania natives, who are pictured above. Both are from Ambler: 36-year-old Lorraine Y. Zeno, and 42-year-old Brian J. Holt. In addition, three suspects from California were arrested: Leonardo Fernandez, 34, of Monrovia, Joel Travis Hills-Garcia, 29, of Santa Clarita, and Patrick M. Fry, 43, of Saugus. In addition, fifteen lower level associates of these five were either arrested or are being sought by police.

The investigation first began when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified a suspicious parcel that had been shipped to Montgomery County from California, authorities said. After obtaining a warrant, the package was opened. It contained a pound of meth.

Police soon learned that the suspects in California were producing the drugs and sending them to Zeno and Holt, who were in turn selling them to numerous dealers through Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia counties. Months of wiretaps and close investigation led to the arrests of "The Big Five."

"Bottom line: crystal meth, marijuana, and the mail don't mix," Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub said.

Authoritites said that meth is making a "resurgence" in Montgomery County, with increased dealing and overdoses over the past two to three years.

"While we have collectively prioritized combating the opioid epidemic, we cannot overlook other pernicious controlled substance threats," said Jeremiah Daley, executive director of the Philadelphia-Camden High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). "Meth is a significant threat to people in our communities."

Eight overdose deaths from meth were recorded in 2016, while 19 overdoses from the drug were recorded in the first nine months of 2017 alone, according to county statistics. That represents a 316 percent increase.

Zeno and Holt, who were each arrested on Nov. 8, have been charged with possession with intent to deliver and corrupt organizations charges, in addition to numerous other related counts.

Holt was arrested in Bucks County, failed to post $10,000 bail, and remains in custody at Bucks County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 18. Zeno was arrested in Montgomery County, failed to post $500,000 bail, and remains in Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Her preliminary hearing will be on Jan. 29.

Images via Montgomery County District Attorney's Office