Three arrested in westmoreland county heroin and fentanyl sting — rainbow colored fentanyl at the U.S. border

NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. — Three individuals from Allegheny County were arrested on September 4, 2024, following an undercover drug sting that resulted in the seizure of 500 bags of suspected heroin and fentanyl, the Westmoreland County Drug Task Force announced.

The arrests came after undercover officers arranged a drug deal with a woman known as “Reya.” Officers agreed to meet at a gas station along Lincoln Highway to purchase 10 bricks of heroin/fentanyl for $1,850. During the negotiation, the suspects contacted the undercover officer via video call to ensure he was not law enforcement and to finalize the deal.

Upon completing the exchange, the suspects, a man and woman, reportedly asked the officer if he would be interested in selling more drugs, offering to front additional heroin/fentanyl bricks. They also inquired if he wanted pressed fentanyl pills and discussed pricing.

After the deal, marked police units stopped the vehicle, and the three individuals were taken into custody without incident. The suspects were identified as Shianne Brown, Therman Smith Jr., and Benjamin Bernardi. Brown was found with the cash from the drug sale in her possession.

Authorities recovered a total of 500 stamp bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl during the operation. All three suspects now face multiple drug-related charges.

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