Hazleton Man Charged With Felony Drug Charges

Charges were filed today in relation to a month long narcotics investigation that took place in January of 2017.

During the Investigation, Agents of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, comprised of officers from the West Hazleton Police Department, and the Hazleton City Police Narcotics Division, investigated the sales and trafficking of crack cocaine throughout the Hazleton area.

Michael Ruiz, 23 of Hazleton, faces two counts each of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and Criminal Use of a Communication Facility.

Ruiz was taken into custody at Magisterial District Court, while appearing on charges filed by the West Hazleton Patrol Division for Possession of crack cocaine.

In December of 2016, Ruiz was charged with misdemeanor counts of Possesion Of A Controlled Substance, Possession Of Marijuana, Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving Without A License.

Ruiz was previously charged by Hazleton City Police in June of 2016 with felony counts of Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, and Criminal Use Of Communication Facility.

Ruiz was arraigned on the new charges and released with unsecured bail.