Fisher

SCRANTON – As many as 20 suspected heroin dealers were arrested today by agents from the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation (BNI), following a street-level sweep in Scranton.

Among those arrested is Brandon Fisher, 24, 7146 Robinwood Drive, Tobyhanna.  Fisher is charged with one count of delivery of heroin, one count of possession with the intent to deliver heroin, and one count of illegal use of a communication device.

Attorney General Tom Corbett said the investigation, known as "Operation Open Market," began in August 2007 and focused on the alleged street-level trafficking of bulk quantities of heroin, specifically on the south side of Scranton.

"Dealers in the Scranton area have turned to heroin as the drug of choice," Corbett said. "For as little as $20 a day, local junkies can feed their habit and support the big business of drugs in this city."

"Today's arrests show how affordable and accessible heroin is in Scranton," Corbett said. "By targeting the street-level dealers we have made an impact on the local source and will continue our investigation up the drug distribution chain."

Corbett said that throughout the investigation, agents utilized confidential informants as well as undercover agents to make controlled purchases of heroin. The majority of the purchases were for "bricks," which is the equivalent of 50 bags.

According to agents, bricks are sold for approximately $500 each and then are often broken up and resold on the streets for $20 per bag.