Lansford, PA – A five-month investigation led to the arrest of seven people connected to a large-scale drug trafficking ring in Carbon and Schuylkill counties, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Tuesday. The network, tied to the Second Street gang in Allentown, was allegedly responsible for distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana across multiple counties.
The Incident: Drug Ring Dismantled After Multi-Agency Investigation
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the arrests followed a series of coordinated raids on October 17, targeting homes linked to Cruz “June” Rodriguez, 31, of New Philadelphia, and his girlfriend Elijah Marie Camacho, 29. Rodriguez was identified as the ringleader of the operation and is facing 23 felony counts related to drug trafficking and organized crime.
Authorities seized more than two pounds of methamphetamine, eight ounces of fentanyl, 130 grams of marijuana, 76 grams of synthetic marijuana, 30 grams of cocaine, and 281 ecstasy pills during the raids. A stolen 9mm handgun was also recovered from the trunk of Rodriguez’s vehicle.
“Taking drug dealers off the streets continues to be a top priority of my office,” said Attorney General Sunday. “Firearms and drug trafficking is a deadly mix that has led to violence across the Commonwealth.”
Investigation and Evidence Collected
The investigation revealed that Rodriguez supplied large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from sources across Pennsylvania and New York. He allegedly acted as a wholesale distributor for multiple dealers throughout Carbon and Schuylkill counties.
According to court filings, Rodriguez admitted to brokering large-scale trades of fentanyl for cocaine, which were then redistributed through his network. The drugs were “fronted” to lower-level dealers, meaning they received narcotics upfront and repaid him later with proceeds from sales.
Among those charged were:
- Cruz “June” Rodriguez, 31 – New Philadelphia (alleged leader)
- Elijah Marie Camacho, 29 – New Philadelphia
- Justin Paul Heacock, 39 – Coaldale
- Jose Nieves-Feliciano, 45 – Coaldale
- Christopher Hazlett, 58 – Lansford
- Kayla Marie Evert, 31 – Lansford
- William Todd Carter, 41 – Lansford
Investigators said Camacho often acted as Rodriguez’s driver, helping with drug deliveries and collecting payments. Evert served as a runner, transporting narcotics for other distributors such as Hazlett and Heacock.
“Rodriguez was a ruthless leader who controlled his co-conspirators through fear and intimidation,” Sunday said. “Those in his network feared failing or going against him.”
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Rodriguez faces multiple felony charges, including corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver, delivery of controlled substances, criminal conspiracy, and dealing in unlawful proceeds.
His co-defendants face similar felony counts related to narcotics distribution, conspiracy, and use of communication devices for drug trafficking.
- Camacho: Corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and possession with intent to deliver
- Heacock: Corrupt organizations, dealing in unlawful proceeds, and criminal use of a communication facility
- Hazlett: Corrupt organizations and delivery of a controlled substance
- Carter: Three counts of delivery and three counts of criminal use of a communication facility
- Evert: Delivery, conspiracy, and dealing in unlawful proceeds
- Nieves-Feliciano: Corrupt organizations, delivery, and conspiracy
All seven were arraigned on Thursday before District Judge Beth A. Dodson. Bail ranged from $20,000 to $500,000, with several defendants, including Rodriguez, Carter, and Nieves-Feliciano, being remanded to Carbon County Jail. Others, including Camacho and Evert, have since posted bail.
Statements and Community Impact
At a press conference, Attorney General Sunday emphasized the devastating effect of fentanyl and the urgency of ongoing enforcement efforts.
“Two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal,” Sunday explained. “The amount seized in this operation represents over 112,000 potential deadly doses. This investigation likely saved countless lives.”
Officials said the bust highlights a growing concern over inter-county drug networks connected to urban gangs such as the Second Street gang in Allentown. These organizations have been identified as key suppliers of narcotics flowing into smaller Pennsylvania towns.
Background and Legal Context
The case forms part of a broader effort by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to disrupt organized crime and drug trafficking networks across the state. In recent months, state and federal agencies have increased joint operations targeting fentanyl pipelines, particularly those tied to New York and Pennsylvania distribution hubs.
Legal experts note that “corrupt organization” charges carry enhanced penalties similar to federal RICO violations, allowing prosecutors to pursue longer sentences against ring leaders like Rodriguez.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Attorney General Sunday said the case remains “active and ongoing”, with investigators continuing to trace supply routes and identify additional participants. The preliminary hearing for all seven defendants is scheduled for November 5 before Judge Dodson in Carbon County Court.
Prosecutors are expected to present digital evidence, surveillance records, and witness testimony to determine whether the case will proceed to trial at the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas.
Defense attorneys for the suspects either could not be reached or declined to comment.
Conclusion
The Carbon County drug bust marks a major victory in Pennsylvania’s ongoing battle against fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking. Officials credit the multi-agency investigation with dismantling a dangerous network that spread drugs, fear, and violence across several communities.
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