HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced charges against 10 people accused of participating in a Lehigh County-based drug trafficking organization that investigators allege distributed fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine across multiple Pennsylvania counties using suppliers tied to Mexico.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said the investigation was conducted in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and several local police departments.
According to investigators, the organization was allegedly led by Joaquin “Kino” Gonzalez, 40, of Emmaus. Authorities said Gonzalez was arrested over the weekend with assistance from the Allentown Police Department.
The Office of Attorney General charged each defendant with corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, and related offenses.
According to investigators, the multi-agency investigation began in 2024 and included searches at numerous locations that allegedly resulted in the seizure of large quantities of narcotics.
Investigators alleged Gonzalez maintained a connection in Southern California through which a Mexican trafficking organization supplied drugs that were distributed in Pennsylvania.
Authorities said investigators observed Gonzalez allegedly deliver six pounds of methamphetamine to Jordan Pagan, 37, of Leola, during the investigation in 2024.
According to investigators, a separate traffic stop involving Hanzel Rivera, 37, of Bethlehem, allegedly led to the seizure of approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, seven pounds of marijuana, and $2,500 in cash.
During searches tied to the investigation, authorities said law enforcement allegedly seized five pounds of fentanyl, seven pounds of heroin, 3,000 fentanyl pills, 48 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of cocaine, and two pounds of marijuana.
The defendants charged are:
- Joaquin Gonzalez, 40, of Emmaus
- Danny Cancel, 25, of Bethlehem
- Joel Castro, 41, of Orefield
- Sally Garcia-Colon, 39, of Emmaus
- Jorge Marrero-Rodriguez, 60, of Allentown
- Jordan Pagan, 37, of Leola
- John Pagan DeJesus, 49, of Whitehall
- Israel Perez, 45, of Bethlehem
- Anthony Planas, 42, of Bethlehem
- Hanzel Rivera, 37, of Bethlehem
Authorities said Gonzalez’s bail was set at $1 million and the remaining defendants are also in custody. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Monday, May 12.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christie Bonesch of the Drug Strike Force Section.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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