Aiexpress – Richard Nunez, 45, and Javier Cornelio Fabian, 43, faced arrest on Thursday for their involvement in a major drug trafficking organization. The organization was responsible for supplying heroin, fentanyl, and Xylazine to Southeastern Pennsylvania, according to the release.
After receiving a tip, the Drug Enforcement Agency and Montgomery County Detectives initiated an investigation into the pair.
According to the release, the operation that followed can be described as follows:
“An undercover operation was formulated, and a Montgomery County detective was able to infiltrate their drug trafficking organization and purchase significant quantities of fentanyl from Fabian, as well as purchase a kilo (1,000 grams) of uncut Xylazine (street name Tranq), which is associated with increasing fatal overdoses and causing serious chronic wounds on users.”
The duo was also involved in the sale of “red heroin” and had planned to sell 8.8 pounds (four kilos) of pure heroin to a buyer on January 23, 2024, at a meeting near the King of Prussia Mall area in Upper Merion Township. However, their plans were foiled as they were apprehended during the meetup.
According to the release, they were spotted exchanging a black-and-white bag, which contained a red shoe box holding four kilos of heroin.
According to the release, after the arrest, law enforcement authorities conducted several search warrants in Montgomery County and three residences in Philadelphia. One of the residences, located in the 2700 block of Eldridge Street, had a basement specifically set up for processing and packaging fentanyl and Xylazine for retail distribution.
In the operation, law enforcement confiscated various items, including bulk fentanyl, digital scales, a funnel/screen, face masks, a substantial amount of blue wax bags, numerous small clear plastic bags, as well as 366,700 doses of heroin, fentanyl, and Xylazine. The street value of these drugs amounts to $3.6 million. Additionally, approximately $25,000 in cash and multiple cellphones utilized in the operation were seized.
“The arrests made as a result of this investigation have effectively disrupted a major channel for illegal drugs, leading to safer communities,” commented Kevin R. Steele, the District Attorney of Montgomery County.
Nunez and Fabian face a total of 20 felony charges, including Corrupt Organization, Conspiracy, Possession With Intent to Deliver, Dealing in the Proceeds of Unlawful Activities, and Criminal Use of a Communications Facility. Due to being considered a flight risk, Nunez was denied bail, while Fabian’s bail was initially set at $99,000 by Magisterial District Judge Todd N. Barnes. However, during a bail review hearing held in the Court of Common Pleas on Friday morning, Judge Steven O’Neill decided to increase Fabian’s bail to $2 million in cash.
They were taken into custody and held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. The preliminary hearing was scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Patrick O. Krouse on March 11, 2024, at 11:15 a.m.
Assistant Chief of Trials Kathleen McLaughlin will handle the prosecution of the case.
