Pocono News Section

Federal Agents Bust Drug/Gambling Ring

Federal Agents Bust Drug/Gambling Ring - Monday, November 10, 2008 at 5:38PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Nov 10, 2008 @ 05:38pm EST
POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - Federal agents and state police say they've made a major dent in the Schuylkill County drug trade. A total of 25 people are facing charges in connection with an illegal drug and gambling ring.

A total of eight suspects are facing federal charges. The other 17 suspects are facing state charges. In all, prosecutors say the bust, dubbed Operation Schuylkill ICE, brought millions of dollars of drugs into the region from Las Vegas.

"These were big time dealers, big time dealers going out to Las Vegas and it was nationwide," Schuylkill County District Attorney Jim Goodman said.

Investigators say they started learning about the operation after a traffic stop in Iowa in 2006. That's when police pulled over a car from Schuylkill County that was filled with $50,000 cash. The destination of the car was Las Vegas.

"That $50,000 that was seized was intended to be used to purchase meth, large quantities of meth," Assistant United States Attorney Fran Sempa said.

From there, suspects started to fall and prosecutors started seizing guns and drugs. They also used a wiretap on Michael Stockunas of Mahanoy City to uncover an illegal pool selling and book making operation.

"The wiretap was very instrumental in getting a lot of resources and leads that the Pennsylvania State Police and DEA would follow up," Goodman said.

Officials say meth is becoming the leading drug in Schuylkill County, but with busts like this, they hope to send a message to dealers.

"Working together as partners, we've placed another chapter in the story of success of law enforcement in this community," United States Attorney from the Middle District Martin Carlson said.

State Police say more arrests are expected in connection with the investigation, which started in 2006. If convicted, some of the suspects could face between 10 years and life in prison.