The Lancaster County Drug Task Force and Lancaster City Bureau of Police Selective Enforcement Unit (SEU) halted a Philadelphia to Lancaster drug operation and filed charges October 31 against three individuals as result.
Louis Angel Cruz, 42 of the 600 block of S. Ann Street, Lancaster, is charged with possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, criminal conspiracy, persons not to possess firearms, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Michael Beck, 41 of the first block of Crystal Drive, Manheim, is charged with possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, criminal conspiracy, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Heather Wagner, 30 of the first block of Crystal Drive, Manheim, is charged with possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, criminal conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Cruz and Beck were arrested and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Andrew LeFever. An arrest warrant has been issued for Wagner; any information related to her whereabouts please contact the Lancaster County Drug Task Force at 1-800-422-1380.
The Drug Task Force and Lancaster City Bureau of Police began investigating a Lancaster-based drug trafficking organization in April 2023. The three defendants were identified as members of the organization.
On September 14, 2023, at approximately 9:24 p.m., Beck and Wagner were pulled over after an investigator saw them meet with Cruz. An executed search warrant on the vehicle revealed 321 blue glassine bags of fentanyl stamped “Cartier,” a leather blackjack weapon, and an orange straw with white residue. Wagner admitted to a recent meeting with Beck’s supplier, but denied knowing who it was.
On September 22, 2023, at approximately 9:14 p.m., police pulled Cruz over and executed a search warrant that yielded 392 blue glassine bags of fentanyl stamped “Cartier,” a functional gram scale, and a 9mm Hi-Point pistol. During the stop, Wagner was calling Cruz to pick up the fentanyl.
Cruz admitted to purchasing the fentanyl in Philadelphia and transporting it back for several people, including Beck and Wagner.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Rall approved charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.
