An investigation into possible drug trafficking led to the arrest of a Reading man Thursday, along with the seizure of crack cocaine, several firearms, and thousands of dollars in cash.
In late June of 2021, the Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force initiated a drug trafficking investigation in the 600 block of Gordon Street in Reading.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Edwin Ortiz of Gordon Street made cocaine transactions from his residence.
On Thursday, July 22nd, 2021, detectives obtained a search warrant for 659 Gordon Street. The search warrant was issued by District Judge Stuart Kennedy.
On Friday, July 23rd, 2021 at approximately 6:31am, detectives served the search warrant and apprehended Edwin Ortiz, inside the Gordon Street house without incident.
Investigators seized several items from the residence, including: Eight semi-automatic handguns. One semi-automatic AR-15 rifle. A stock of ammunition. Miscellaneous packaging material and related drug paraphernalia associated with distribution. Bulk quantity of crack cocaine. Bulk quantity of cocaine. Seventy-four baggies containing crack cocaine. $10,331.00 United States currency believed to be the proceeds from the sales of cocaine.
Detectives estimated the street value of the seized cocaine at $25,000.00.
On Friday, July 23rd, 2021, Edwin Ortiz was transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Department Central Processing Center, where he is awaiting his preliminary arraignment by the on-duty Magisterial District Judge.
