Large Heroin Find Sends Two To Jail

On Thursday July 28th at approximately 11:30 pm, Hazleton Police responded to the area of the Altmiller Playground for a report of a suspicious silver vehicle with the occupants carrying on getting in and out of the vehicle.

Upon investigation by Corporal Joseph Babula and Officer Brian Dubin, a male identified as Yedni Garcia and a female identified as Lauren Dovan were taken into custody following a warrantless search of the vehicle.

A large amount of heroin totaling 418 bags was found along with a small amount of marijuana, cell phones, and cash.

Garcia and Dovan were charged with Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both were transported to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for overnight arraignment.

"Clearly, the officers involved were able to see the situation for what it was and pieced together the facts leading to a substantial arrest and removal of poison (Heroin) from our streets." Chief Jerry Speziale released in a statement.

"The Hazleton Police Department has a zero tolerance for this type of behavior and will continue to arrest those involved with illegal drugs." "I want to thank the community for their continued partnership and collaboration in making a safer Hazleton.