Meth, Heroin/Fentanyl, Gun Found After Investigation On Immigrant

After a three month investigation in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Region 8 and Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Hazleton City Police Department arrested Royal Berys Astacio De La Cruz.

According to an HPD press release, throughout the investigation over 340 grams of fentanyl/heroin mix and approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine was purchased from Astacio.

Following Astacio's arrest and a search of his residence an additional approximate 100 grams of methamphetamine and an additional approximate 50 grams of heroin were located along with approximately $6300.00, a digital scale and various cutting and packaging materials.

Astacio was also in possession of a loaded firearm in the vehicle he was operating at the time he was arrested.

Astacio was charged with five Felony Counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, two Felony counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, five Felony Counts of Criminal Use of Communication Facility and one Felony Count of Firearms not to be carried without a license.

It was also learned Astacio is here on a passport and INS was contacted regarding his immigration status and a federal detainer is being placed on Astacio.

Astacio was later transported to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for overnight arraignment.