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Cash, Guns Seized; Three Nabbed in Hazleton Drug Bust

HAZLETON — Police in Hazleton seized what they call a large amount of heroin and crack cocaine, along with $10,000 in cash in a drug raid.
HAZ DRUGS

HAZLETON -- Police in Hazleton seized what they call a large amount of heroin and crack cocaine along with $10,000 in cash in a drug raid.

Investigators in Hazleton tell us this was a three-month investigation into the drug ring. Three men are now locked up.

Hazleton's police chief tells us he will not tolerate drugs and crime on the streets.

Some people who live in the city are relieved to see what the police there are doing to fight drugs and crime.

"You come to Hazleton, you deal drugs, we are coming for you and we are going to take everything you own."

That's the message acting Hazleton Police Chief Jerry Speziale is sending out to anyone thinking about using or planning to traffic drugs in his city.

His message comes after three men were arrested in what authorities are calling a major drug bust.

"This is a serious situation where people are facing substantial jail time and we are taking $300,000 worth of drugs off the street. This is a substantial hit," said Chief Speziale.

Luis Batista from Tamaqua, Ghazi Faraj from Hazleton, and Christopher Furlani from Freeland were all taken into custody and face a long list of charges.

Police tell us a stash of drugs, thousands in cash and even a pink 9mm handgun were seized from Faraj's home on North James Street in Hazleton.

People who live in Hazleton tell us even though all the drugs aren't off the street yet, this is a good start.

"Oh, yeah, it's a really good amount, and the guns and everything, so I hope when they do bring these guys to trial, they keep them in jail," said Marie Motil.

"It's scary. It really is and I have kids so I don't want to be scared for them," said Leann Santiago.

Chief Speziale tells Newswatch 16 the collaborative efforts of several different task forces, the D.A.'s office, and surrounding police units helped make a successful bust.

"If you think that a jurisdictional boundary or border will protect you, you are being fooled because we are going to reach out and grab you and bring you back to justice," said the chief.

The chief also told us a baby was found in vehicle one of the suspects used to leave the scene.  Charges for that are possible.

All three men face different charges, including felonies and misdemeanors. They are all locked up.

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