A Reading man was arrested Thursday following a drug investigation that led authorities to seize fentanyl, cocaine, and a firearm from his home, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office.
Christian Vazquez-Perez, 30, of the 500 block of Mulberry Street, is facing multiple charges including possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, possession of fentanyl and cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and persons not to possess firearms.
The arrest comes after a months-long investigation by the Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, which began in May in response to reports of illegal drug activity at Vazquez-Perez’s residence. Detectives secured a search warrant for the home and for Vazquez-Perez’s person, which was approved by Magisterial District Judge Kyley L. Scott.
On the morning of July 24, around 9:20 a.m., task force detectives executed the warrant and found Vazquez-Perez at the residence. During the search, authorities seized 220 packets of fentanyl, a small bag containing suspected cocaine, a fully loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, drug packaging materials, a digital scale, $334 in cash believed to be drug proceeds, and two cell phones. Investigators estimate the street value of the drugs at approximately $2,500.
Vazquez-Perez was taken into custody and processed at the Berks County Sheriff’s Processing Center. He is currently awaiting preliminary arraignment.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact 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 mobile app, or texting ALERTBERKS and a message to 847411.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
