Fentanyl bust could be largest ever in Lancaster

Three people from Philadelphia were arrested in Manheim Township, in what may be the largest fentanyl bust ever in Lancaster County.

The Lancaster County Drug Task Force seized nearly three pounds of heroin, in both ready for street sale bundles and in bulk. The bulk kilogram, about 2 pounds, tested positive for pure fentanyl.

The bust took place on Jan. 31 in the 1300 block of Lititz Pike.

Detectives boxed in pair of vehicles that were involved in a major drug deal, and arrested everyone inside.

One of the drivers, 26-year-old Eric Moran, attempted to flee and nearly hit detectives and civilians in the parking lot.

The Task Force had information that the drug deal would take place that night, so they were already set up when the vehicles arrived.

Luis C. Mercado, 32, and Katherine Joubert, 27, were also charged.

Detectives estimate if the heroin/fentanyl were sold in street quantities, it would be valued at over half a million dollars.

All three are charged with felony possession with intent to deliver (fentanyl) and conspiracy. Moran is also charged with misdemeanor counts of fleeing police and reckless endangerment. They are all held at Lancaster County Prison on $2 million bail apiece.

The kilogram fentanyl seizure is believed to be the Drug Task Force’s largest pure fentanyl bust in recent history.

“There is no telling how many people could have been killed by the deadly poisons that are now in police custody rather than on the streets,” Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said Tuesday. “This could be one of the biggest fentanyl seizures we’ve had in this county.

“The distribution would have been widespread and extremely profitable for the traffickers.”

About 9,800 bags were branded with a “CATCH UP” stamp. Those bags tested positive for heroin and, detectives believe they, will also test positive for fentanyl.