Tip Leads Police To Drug Sale - 80 Bags Of Heroin Found

"The message is clear, stay out of Hazleton for illegal purposes." Chief Speziale said regarding a drug arrest today.

Hazleton City Police say that around noon today they received an anonymous call for a suspected drug transaction in the area of Hanover Court and 17th Street.  A press release states Hazleton Patrol Units immediately responded and flooded the area. 

Officers Eric Hernandez and Joshua Keller stopped 23 year old Austin K. Didgen of Barnesville who matched a description given in the anonymous tip.

Didgen was found to be in possession of approximately 80 bags of heroin.

"This is a clear example where a simple call from the public can help us achieve our goal of a drug free City." Police Chief Jerry Speziale said on the arrest.

Didgen is being processed at Hazleton Police Headquarters and will be charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia.  Didgen is on probation, which will be violated according to Police. Didgen will be turned over to Schuylkill County Probation.  

"The mission of the Hazleton City Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in our City by working in partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, reduce fear, and maintain order.  The Hazleton Police Department is committed to accomplishing its mission of protecting the lives and property of all the citizens and visitors of Hazleton by treating everyone with compassion, courtesy, professionalism, and respect, while efficiently rendering public safety services and enforcing the laws impartially, by fighting crime both through deterrence and the relentless pursuit of criminals." - Chief Speziale
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