A Lancaster County man will serve up to 30 years in prison for his role in a large-scale fentanyl/heroin operation – and he could be facing additional penalties.

Antonio J. Rivera, 28, was on state and federal parole when he was charged last year in the Lancaster County Drug Task Force arrest operation.

The Drug Task Force stopped two women on Route 222 and found 5,000 bags of fentanyl-laced heroin inside a vehicle. They determined Rivera was involved in the drug trafficking to Lancaster from New Jersey.

Rivera, known as “AR,” was convicted at trial of felony conspiracy.

Lancaster County Judge Jeffery Wright recently sentenced Rivera to 6 to 30 years in prison.

In his sentencing order, Judge Wright recommended that penalties regarding Rivera’s parole violations be in addition to the 6-to-30-year sentence.

Assistant District Attorney Jared Hinsey said that despite being on parole and electronic monitoring, Rivera continued to run a drug operation via the assistance of co-conspirators in attempts to protect himself from charges.

The Drug Task Force, with assistance from East Cocalico Township police, stopped the vehicle on April 30, 2018, at the Denver/Pa. Turnpike exit.

The heroin was branded and packaged in 500 bundles (10 baggies per bundle). Field testing revealed the baggies also contained fentanyl.

The street value of the seized heroin is about $50,000, according to detectives.

Rivera was found not guilty of possession with intent to deliver.

Rivera’s criminal history includes prior convictions and prison terms for felony drug charges.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright