LANCASTER, PA — In a significant blow to the drug trade in the region, the Lancaster County Drug Task Force and Lancaster City Bureau of Police Selective Enforcement Unit (SEU) have disrupted a major drug operation stretching from Philadelphia to Lancaster. The operation, which culminated in charges being filed against three individuals on October 31, has been hailed as a major victory in the fight against drug trafficking.
The three defendants, identified as members of the drug trafficking organization, face various charges. Louis Angel Cruz, 42, of the 600 block of S. Ann Street, Lancaster, is charged with possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, criminal conspiracy, persons not to possess firearms, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Michael Beck, 41, of the first block of Crystal Drive, Manheim, faces charges of possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, criminal conspiracy, and possession of an offensive weapon. Heather Wagner, 30, also of the first block of Crystal Drive, Manheim, is charged with possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, criminal conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Cruz and Beck were arrested and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Andrew LeFever. Meanwhile, an arrest warrant has been issued for Wagner, with the Lancaster County Drug Task Force urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact them at 1-800-422-1380.
According to Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Rall, the investigation into this Lancaster-based drug trafficking organization began in April 2023. It came to a head on September 14, 2023, when Beck and Wagner were pulled over following a meeting with Cruz. A subsequent search warrant executed on the vehicle revealed 321 blue glassine bags of fentanyl stamped “Cartier,” a leather blackjack weapon, and an orange straw with white residue.
On September 22, 2023, Cruz was pulled over by the police, leading to a search warrant that yielded 392 blue glassine bags of fentanyl stamped “Cartier,” a functional gram scale, and a 9mm Hi-Point pistol. During the stop, Wagner was calling Cruz to pick up the fentanyl. Cruz admitted to purchasing the fentanyl in Philadelphia and transporting it back for several people, including Beck and Wagner.
The charges were approved by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Rall.
Information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest is not a declaration of guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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