SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Two Scranton residents are facing multiple drug and firearms charges after authorities say investigators uncovered large quantities of narcotics, firearms and ammunition during the execution of a search warrant this week.
The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that Joseph De Jesus Martinez and Fruquan Arleek Roper were charged following a joint investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Vice Unit, Blakely Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the district attorney’s office.
Investigators executed a search warrant on July 16 at 1701 Linden St., Apartment 6, as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected illegal drug activity.
According to prosecutors, officers seized approximately:
1.5 pounds of methamphetamine3.64 ounces of cocaine10 ounces of processed marijuana90 suboxone strips
Investigators also recovered two handguns, five loaded magazines, including one extended magazine, a large quantity of ammunition and drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale.
Authorities said documents recovered during the search linked both Martinez and Roper to the residence.
Prosecutors said both defendants are prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions.
The pair have been charged with multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, possession of controlled substances, persons not to possess firearms, and related offenses.
The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office said the investigation was conducted in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Vice Unit, the Blakely Police Department and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Court records were not immediately available to indicate whether either defendant has retained legal counsel.