A Reading man is facing felony drug charges after investigators allegedly seized approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, drug trafficking materials and more than $10,000 in cash during an investigation by the Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, Kyle Lamar Lane, 33, of the 300 block of South Fifth Street, was arrested following a drug trafficking investigation that culminated Monday, July 6, with the execution of a sealed search warrant.
Investigators obtained judicial authorization to search the second- and third-floor apartments at 351 S. Fifth St., as well as Lane’s person and associated electronic devices.
Authorities said investigators conducting surveillance later observed Lane leave the residence and walk into the 500 block of Bingaman Street. When officers approached him, Lane allegedly attempted to flee on foot while discarding a cellular phone and approximately one pound of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of approximately three additional pounds of a substance that also field-tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the district attorney’s office.
Investigators also seized packaging materials, two digital scales containing residue, a razor blade, a scooper and other equipment commonly used to process and package methamphetamine for street-level distribution. In addition, authorities recovered $10,543 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.
The district attorney’s office estimated the street value of the seized methamphetamine at approximately $54,000.
Lane has been charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
“This case reflects the continued commitment and teamwork of the Berks County Drug Task Force in combating the distribution of methamphetamine throughout our community,” Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said in a statement. “Seizing bulk quantities of methamphetamine, along with the tools used to process and package these dangerous narcotics, disrupts drug trafficking operations and helps make Berks County a safer place to live and work.”
Lane was transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Office Central Processing Center, where he was formally charged and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Priscilla Campos. Bail was set at $200,000.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Alert Berks County.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Lane is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.