Two facing drug counts in Monroe

Two men are facing various drug charges in Monroe County. Pocono Mountain Regional police reported on the arrests and the incidents that led to the charges.

Arrested were Victor Tello and Ronald Smith, both 19, and both of Tobyhanna. Police gave the following account.

On Tuesday, Aug. 10, officers executed two search warrants at two separate locations in Coolbaugh Township as part of an ongoing burglary and illegal firearms investigation. One of the residences was 1226 Larkspur Lane, in the Pocono Farms community in Tobyhanna.

At the time of the search warrants were executed Smith, Tello and his 14-year-old sister, were all found in the home. Smith was found hiding in a closet. During the search police located numerous items indicating drug trafficking. An additional warrant was obtained for narcotics violations, police said.

As a result of the searches officers seized several sleeves containing hundreds of empty dime size baggies found in both Smith's and Tello's possession. Also located in the home were several bags containing marijuana in bulk sizes consistent with those broken down into smaller individual baggies for street level sales, police said.

Also located was a digital scale along with packaging/manufacturing materials and an empty gallon size baggie with marijuana remnants which is consistent with drug sales.

Police said a wad of U.S. currency was found in denominations consistent with drug dealing which totaled $1,618. Also found was a 9mm handgun.

The two were placed under arrest and charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver, possession of marijuana and various other drug charges.

Tello and Smith were arraigned before District Judge Anthony D. Fluegel, of Tobyhanna. Tello was committed to the county prison in Snydersville in lieu of $100,000 bail and Smith was committed in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and anyone who has information concerning drug activity is asked to call them at (570) 895-2400; or visit the PMRPD website at www.pmrpd.com. where they can make anonymous tips or provide information to assist in ongoing investigations.