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SCRANTON — A Hazleton man already facing charges for his alleged role in a cocaine trafficking ring was hit with more federal counts Tuesday.

Rafael Lora, 42, was charged in April 2016 with conspiring to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Lora was charged with co-defendant Luis Santos, of New York City.

Federal prosecutors say their conspiracy lasted for the length of March 2015.

This week, Lora was slapped with additional counts, with prosecutors claiming he possessed with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.

Lora was also charged with conspiracy, unlawful use of a cellphone to facilitate drug crimes and maintaining a drug premises.

Santos was not charged with any additional counts. He’s set to enter a guilty plea on Feb. 27, authorities say.

Lora and Santos were investigated by Homeland Security, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Patrol, State Police and Hazleton Police.

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By Patrick Kernan

[email protected]

Reach Patrick Kernan at 570-991-6386 or on Twitter @PatKernan