HAZLETON, PA – A major fentanyl trafficking operation in Hazleton has been dismantled following a coordinated law enforcement effort that led to the arrest of two key suspects.
Detectives from the Narcotics Unit, Hazleton Special Response Team, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force executed two search warrants on February 27 in Hazleton and Hazle Township, uncovering a large-scale drug distribution network.
Key Arrests & Seizures
Authorities arrested:
🔹 Miguel Carrasquillo Apolinaris, 47
🔹 Luis Mercado Alicea, 53
Investigators identified them as major distributors of bulk fentanyl in the region.
During the raid, officers confiscated:
✅ Over 200 grams of fentanyl
✅ 1 gram of cocaine
✅ $10,445 in cash
✅ Multiple cell phones
✅ Drug paraphernalia
Charges & Detainment
Luis Mercado Alicea faces possession with intent to deliver and three counts of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance.
Miguel Carrasquillo Apolinaris faces three counts of delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of conspiracy, and three counts of criminal use of a communication facility.
Both men were arraigned and denied bail, remaining in Luzerne County Correctional Facility as the investigation continues.
