The Berks County District Attorney’s Office announced the results of “Operation Trapped” Monday morning, a large-scale drug bust that took down a significant drug trafficking operation in the City of Reading. After months of investigation, three suspects were arrested, and authorities seized over $1.2 million worth of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, firearms, and cash.
The suspects, identified as Selwyn Alcala-Garcia, 28, of Reading; Rashan Brinkley, 47, of Laureldale; and Marcial Cooper, 33, of Reading, were apprehended after authorities executed multiple search warrants at various locations associated with the drug ring. These warrants were issued after months of undercover purchases and intensive surveillance conducted by law enforcement.
During the early morning hours of September 12th, the Berks County Drug Task Force, in collaboration with Pennsylvania State Police, the Reading Police Department, and the Berks County Sheriffs, served search warrants at four properties and eight vehicles linked to the suspects. The search locations included residences at 1423 Birch Street, 1615 N. 10th Street, and 662 Tulpehocken Street in Reading, as well as 501 Emerson Avenue in Laureldale.
Authorities uncovered and seized a large cache of drugs, firearms, and cash during the searches. The items confiscated included: Approximately 2.4 pounds of crack cocaine. Approximately 6.75 pounds of powdered cocaine. Approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine. Approximately 8 pounds of fentanyl. Drug paraphernalia, including digital scales, cutting agents, and packaging materials. Multiple firearms, including a Mossberg MC2SC 9mm handgun, a Smith and Wesson M&P-15, and a Glock 31 Gen 4 .357, all with loaded magazines. Three extended 9mm magazines and a large stock of ammunition. Over $4,000 in U.S. currency, suspected to be proceeds from drug sales.
Authorities say the seized drugs have an estimated street value of more than $1.2 million.
All three suspects have been charged with possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine; possession of a controlled substance; criminal conspiracy; and possession of drug paraphernalia. In addition, Marcial Cooper faces three counts of “Persons not to Possess Firearms.”
Following their arrest, the suspects were transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Central Processing Center, where they were arraigned. Magisterial District Justice Kyley Scott set bail for each at $1 million. All three individuals are currently incarcerated at Berks County Jail.
The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are seeking additional information related to this case. Members of the public with information are encouraged to contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Alert Berks County by calling 877-373-9913, using the ALERTBERKS app, or texting ALERTBERKS with the tip to 847411.
As with all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
