WEST HAZLETON, PA — West Hazleton police executed a narcotics search warrant at a West Green Street residence during the early morning hours on Friday, March 13.
The drug raid was the culmination of a two-month investigation into the sales and trafficking of cocaine and other illicit narcotics in West Hazleton and throughout the Hazleton area.
During the investigation, members of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force conducted controlled purchases of cocaine from the man.
Police seized a bulk amount of cocaine, cocaine pre-packaged for sale, paraphernalia used to weigh and package narcotics for sale, and United States currency, including pre-recorded bills used during controlled purchases.
Alexander Tavarez-Fernandez, 24, of West Hazleton, faces charges for possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance.
Tavarez-Fernandez was arraigned by Magisterial District Court Judge Barletta Antolick and was committed to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility after being unable to post bail.
West Hazleton police were assisted by members of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, Hazleton City Police Narcotics Division, Hazleton City Police Special Response Team, Hazleton City Police K-9 Division with canine Keiko, and the Pennsylvania State Police K-9 unit with canine Molly.
