Berks Drug Task Force arrests Reading man in MDMA trafficking investigation

September 26, 2024 - 06:47 PM - Berks Weekly

The Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force has arrested a Reading man as part of an ongoing investigation into an MDMA drug trafficking operation in the city. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Dennis Valentin, was apprehended following an undercover operation that led to multiple drug purchases and the execution of a search warrant at his apartment.

The investigation, which began in August 2024, targeted a drug distribution network operating in Reading. According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, detectives identified Valentin as a key distributor of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement conducted numerous undercover drug buys and maintained surveillance on the suspect.

On September 26, detectives, armed with a search warrant authorized by Magisterial District Judge Tayna Butler, raided Valentin’s apartment located in the 900 block of North 3rd Street. Valentin was present at the time of the search and was taken into custody without incident.

Inside the apartment, detectives seized approximately 1,200 MDMA pills, 140 grams of suspected marijuana, an operable digital scale, a cellular phone, and $1,204 in cash, which authorities believe are proceeds from drug sales. The street value of the drugs is estimated to be around $12,000.

Following the search, Valentin was transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Department Central Processing Center, where he is awaiting a preliminary arraignment.

Valentin has been charged with multiple offenses, including possession with the intent to deliver MDMA, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities remind the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Berks County District Attorney’s office continues to investigate the broader drug trafficking operation and has not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests.