POLICE ARREST 2 PEOPLE FOLLOWING UNDERCOVER
DRUG INVESTIGATION AND SEARCH WARRANT
Butler Township Police, in conjunction with the Hazleton City Police Narcotics Unit, arrested 2 people last Wednesday afternoon following an undercover drug operation. The operation yielded more than 100 packets of heroin, along with crack cocaine, marijuana and more than $3,300 dollars.
Police executed a search warrant around 4 pm at 740 Manhattan Court, Hazleton after making undercover purchases of crack cocaine from the residence. As officers entered the residence, one of the occupants, Hassan S. Harrell, aka “Solo”, age 23, attempted to destroy evidence. Harrell unsuccessfully attempted to flush drugs down the toilet and was trying to smash a cell phone following his arrest. He also fought and kicked at police while they tried to stop him from destroying the phone.
Harrell was identified in the investigation as selling crack cocaine. Harrell also distributed drugs though Erin M. Hughes, age 22, of the same address. Police also purchased drugs from her in the area of 10th Street and Manhattan Court, which is near the Hazleton Elementary Middle School.
Harrell was charged with criminal conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, possessing a controlled substance, 2 counts of tampering with evidence and resisting arrest. Hughes was charged with criminal conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.
Harrell was also arraigned on separate charges filed by the Hazleton City Police Narcotics Unit on charges of conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance, 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stemmed from an October 2014 incident.
Harrell received minor injuries and was initially transported to the hospital by ambulance. He was treated and released and subsequently transported to the Luzerne County Prison.
Butler Township Police and Hazleton City Police are members of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. The case was developed by Butler Township Police following an investigation in their jurisdiction. Police are continuing their investigation and additional arrests are expected.
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Released- 5/11/2015
Released by: Cpl. William J. Feissner