Reading, PA – Authorities have announced the arrest of multiple suspects connected to a large-scale drug trafficking organization that allegedly shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from Puerto Rico to Berks County, Pennsylvania, using the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The coordinated investigation, which began in January 2025, has led to significant seizures of narcotics, firearms, and cash.
The Incident: Cocaine Trafficking Through U.S. Mail
The Berks County District Attorney’s Office revealed at a press conference that the Berks County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) uncovered a sophisticated narcotics operation using U.S. mail shipments to smuggle drugs from Puerto Rico into Pennsylvania.
Officials say the operation distributed kilogram-level quantities of cocaine throughout Berks County while also trafficking methamphetamine through a network of associates.
The case came to light after authorities observed suspicious packages arriving from Puerto Rico, prompting further investigation into the local distribution network.
Investigation and Evidence: Multi-Agency Operation
The investigation, which began in January 2025, involved undercover drug purchases, court-authorized wiretaps, and surveillance operations conducted jointly by state troopers, county detectives, DEA agents, and U.S. Postal Inspectors.
On October 20, law enforcement executed coordinated search warrants at multiple properties and vehicles tied to the operation, including:
- 549 & 547 Linden Street, Reading, PA
- 2310 Fraver Drive (Kings Inn, Room #241), Reading, PA
- 1325 N. 12th Street, Reading, PA
- 708 N. 13th Street, Reading, PA
- 401 S. 11th Street (1 Stop Away Auto Sales), Reading, PA
- Comm Buena Vista 107, Calle Washington, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
- 1008 Penn Street (Way of Life Tattoo Studios), Reading, PA
- 715 N. 12th Street, Reading, PA
Additional warrants were executed on October 22 targeting a black Acura MDX SUV and other associated addresses.
Authorities confirmed the recovery of bulk quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, 12 firearms, and large sums of U.S. currency, signaling the dismantling of a major regional narcotics pipeline.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
The arrests led to corruption and drug trafficking charges against several key suspects, including:
- Edwin Martinez-Rodriguez (33, West Lawn): Charged with corrupt organizations and drug offenses, held on $2,000,000 bail.
- Kelvin Rodriguez-Diaz (37, Reading): Charged with corrupt organizations and multiple drug offenses, held on $1,000,000 bail.
- Jonathan Pagan-Vega (42, Puerto Rico): Charged with corrupt organizations and drug offenses; currently not in custody in Berks County.
Additional defendants charged in the case include:
Osvaldo Reyes-Jimenez (30), Nelson Leon Sr. (56), Johnny Lopez-Suarez (39), Santos Torres-Rodriguez (49), Victor Sanchez Sr. (48), Henry Massa-Olmeda (45), Yessimalie Torres (39), Fernando Corona (42), Christopher Gottschall (50), David Serrano (36), Andre Pendergrass Sr. (55), Andre Pendergrass Jr. (34), Jason Greth (29), and Melissa Batterson (46).
Prosecutors say the defendants face charges related to corrupt organizations, drug possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, and firearms violations.
Statements and Reactions from Authorities
At the news conference, officials described the operation as a “major interstate and international drug pipeline” that moved narcotics from the Caribbean into Pennsylvania communities.
“This investigation shows the extraordinary cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies,” said a Berks County District Attorney spokesperson. “Our team stopped a dangerous network that funneled large amounts of cocaine and meth into our streets.”
Authorities emphasized the critical role of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which helped trace suspicious packages linked to the operation and intercept deliveries before distribution.
Background Context: Drug Trafficking from Puerto Rico to the Mainland
Law enforcement officials noted that Puerto Rico has long been a key transit point for cocaine entering the U.S. mainland due to its territorial mail privileges, which allow packages to travel through the postal system without customs inspection.
Over the past decade, DEA operations in Pennsylvania have documented a steady rise in drug shipments concealed in USPS parcels, often sent to low-profile addresses to avoid detection.
Investigators believe the Berks County network was one of several groups operating along the Northeast corridor, distributing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine sourced from Puerto Rico.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Authorities confirmed that several suspects remain at large, including:
- Wesley Santiago (25)
- Emmanuel Rodriguez-Santos (39)
- Abraham Vega-Rodriguez (40)
- Andres Vazquez (28)
- Roberto Sandoval Jimenez (33)
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to track down fugitives connected to the organization.
The Berks County Detectives Office is urging anyone with information about the suspects to contact 610-478-7171 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913.
Conclusion
The takedown of this multi-state drug trafficking ring marks a major victory for Pennsylvania law enforcement and highlights the growing threat of mail-based narcotics distribution from U.S. territories. Officials say the arrests have significantly disrupted cocaine and meth supplies in Berks County, but investigations into related operations are expected to continue in the coming months.
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