READING, Pa. – A man is behind bars following a narcotics and firearms investigation in the City of Reading.
The Berks County Drug Task Force began the investigation in January of this year, culminating in search warrants for Angel Benitez, his residence and his cellular device.
Just after 6 a.m. Friday morning, the Berks County Emergency Response Team (BCERT) executed the warrants in the 100 block of West Elm Street. Benitez was located at the scene and taken into custody without incident.
Angel Benitez
Detectives seized the following evidence:
100 grams of suspected crack cocaine
23 pre-packaged bags of suspect marijuana
Drug paraphernalia, including packaging materials for cocaine and marijuana
A .40 caliber Glock handgun equipped with an installed “switch”
An extended ammunition magazine and additional ammunition
Several digital scales
Over $500.00 in U.S. Currency
The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $10,115.00.
Berks County Detectives
During the operation, detectives recovered a “switch,” also known as a machine gun conversion.
Authorities say it’s an extremely dangerous, illegal device designed to allow a handgun to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger, effectively turning it into a fully automatic weapon.
Because the rapid-fire rate makes the firearm incredibly difficult to control, authorities say “switches” often lead to stray bullets and unintended casualties, capable of turning a targeted incident into a mass-casualty event in seconds.
Benitez is currently awaiting processing and arraignment. He’s charged with persons not to possess firearms, altering or obliterating marks of identification, possession with intent to deliver, prohibited offensive weapons and related offenses.
This investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Alert Berks County by calling 877-373-9913.