2 heroin dealers arrested in Philly

Two alleged drug dealersfrom Philadelphia were arrested in connection to a drug-dealing operation ring, the Pennsylvania attorney general announced Monday.

Santos Javier Alvarez-Ruiz, 38, and Felipe Fontanez-Burgos, 42, were found in possession of more than 250 grams of heroin, which included 3,660 small packages intended for widespread distribution, about $6,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia consistent with a heroin distribution operation, Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s office announced Monday.The roughly 250 grams of heroin seized has an approximate street value of $85,000.

The arrests are the culmination of an investigation conducted by the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation. Agents, believing drugtransactions took place at Alvarez-Ruiz’s residence, set up surveillance at his home.

According to agents,Fontanez-Burgos drove to the residence, entered and later left carrying a black trash bag. Fontanez-Burgos’ car was later stopped near Summerdale Avenue in the Oxford Circle area of Northeast Philly; the suspect was found in possession of heroin packaging materials, including thousands of blue paper packets, investigators said.

A search of Alvarez-Ruiz’ residence led to the seizure of the approximate 250 grams of heroin, as well as a scale, grinders and a strainer. Many of the items had a white powder residue, investigators said.

Alvarez-Ruiz, of Mayfair, andFontanez-Burgos, of Oxford Circle/Castor, were arrested June 10, and are both charged with one count each of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, criminal conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“Heroin has destroyed countless lives across Pennsylvania,” Kane said. “We will use the resources of our office to target dealers large or small, and to let them know there will be severe consequences for the people dealing this poison.”

The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated.