SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A joint drug investigation in South Scranton has resulted in the arrest of two men and the seizure of nearly 40 grams of cocaine, according to the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators with the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force and Pennsylvania State Police executed a search warrant June 22 at a residence on Pittston Avenue following an investigation that included a controlled purchase of cocaine from the property.
Authorities identified the suspects as Jose Arcadi Cruz Rivera, 55, and Leonardo Guzman Caban, 33. Prosecutors allege Cruz Rivera sold approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant during a controlled buy conducted earlier that day. Detectives maintained surveillance on Cruz Rivera before obtaining a search warrant for the residence.
According to court documents, Cruz Rivera was taken into custody during a traffic stop after leaving the residence. Investigators reported recovering approximately $1,701 in cash from him, including prerecorded buy money used during the controlled purchase.
When detectives arrived to execute the search warrant, Guzman Caban allegedly ran into the home in an attempt to evade arrest. Investigators pursued him through the residence and into a bathroom, where they say he attempted to flush narcotics down a toilet. Court records state Guzman Caban later admitted he was trying to destroy the drugs because he did not want to be arrested.
A search of the residence allegedly uncovered approximately 36 grams of cocaine, about $3,000 in cash, a fentanyl test kit, a digital scale, drug packaging materials and other items investigators say were consistent with drug distribution. In total, authorities reported seizing about 39.5 grams of cocaine and approximately $4,701 in suspected drug proceeds.
Cruz Rivera was charged with multiple felony drug offenses, including delivery of cocaine and possession with intent to deliver cocaine.
Guzman Caban was charged with evading arrest, resisting arrest and tampering with evidence. Investigators allege he fled from officers and attempted to destroy evidence during the execution of the search warrant.
“Our drug taskforce is focused on eradicating drug trafficking and drug dealers from our neighborhoods,” Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said in a statement. “Drug dealing brings crime, violence, and addiction into our streets and we will not tolerate it.”
The cocaine seized during the investigation has been submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory for analysis.
1513 Pittston Ave via Google Maps