A 39-year-old Exeter Township man is facing drug and firearms charges after authorities said investigators seized cocaine, marijuana, 15 firearms and more than $37,000 in suspected drug proceeds during the execution of a search warrant.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, the Berks County Drug Task Force, working with the Reading Police Vice Unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Exeter Township Police Department, executed a search warrant Wednesday, July 22, at a residence in the 75 block of Overlook Drive in Exeter Township. The warrant was authorized by Berks County Magisterial District Judge Sandra Fegley.
Investigators charged Adalberto Acevedo Jr., 39, of Exeter Township, with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms.
During the search, authorities said they seized approximately four pounds of marijuana, about 60 grams of cocaine, five digital scales with suspected drug residue, packaging materials commonly used for distributing narcotics, assorted ammunition and firearm magazines, and $37,333 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.
Police also recovered 15 firearms, including nine handguns and six rifles. The district attorney’s office estimated the street value of the seized drugs at approximately $16,800.
According to investigators, Acevedo had previously been convicted of felony drug offenses, making him prohibited under Pennsylvania law from possessing or controlling firearms.
“The seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs and fifteen firearms from a convicted felon demonstrates the outstanding work being performed every day by the Berks County Drug Task Force and our law enforcement partners,” Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said. “Drug traffickers often arm themselves to protect their criminal enterprises, creating an increased danger to our communities. Today’s enforcement action removed dangerous narcotics, illegal firearms, and the profits of drug trafficking from our streets.”
Acevedo was transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Office Central Processing Center, where he was formally charged and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Andrea J. Book. Bail was set at $250,000.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Alert Berks County by calling 877-373-9913, downloading the ALERTBERKS mobile app or texting ALERTBERKS followed by a tip to 847411.
As with all criminal cases, Acevedo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
