News

October 2, 2008

UPDATE: Five people busted in heroin ring

By Ed Lewis elewis@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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KINGSTON  – One of three types of heroin allegedly sold by five people busted by authorities Wednesday night was called OBAMA with an imprint of the presidential candidate on packets, said Frank Noonan, regional director for the state Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control.

"I've never seen a stamp like that before," Noonan said during a news conference Thursday morning.

Noonan said the five people arrested were part of a heroin distribution ring in Edwardsville, Kingston and Wilkes-Barre.

Five people - Christopher Allen, 25, also known as Face, Jennifer Catanzariti, 24, Derek Reich, 20, Jessica Lynn Deshazo, 31, and Sirelle Buscemi, 21 - were charged with various drug offenses, including corrupt organization and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. They were arraigned by District Judge Paul Roberts in Kingston and jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.

Deputy State Attorney General Tim Doherty said the five, if convicted, face a maximum sentence of 48 years in state prison.

Undercover agents with the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and state Attorney General's Office began the investigation in August.

Kingston Police Chief Keith Keiper said neighbors told him about a residence on Ross Street, Kingston, while he walked his dog.

From there, drug agents used informants to purchase heroin from the Ross Street residence and at arranged locations in the area.

Noonan said Catanzariti moved from Ross Street to a residence on Oakwood Lane, Wilkes-Barre, where Allen supplied her with four packets of heroin a day in exchange to sell heroin from the city residence.

For the complete story, read The Times Leader on Friday.

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