Five charged in three-county drug ring

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office busted up a drug trafficking operation that spanned three counties.

Shapiro announced Tuesday that his office arrested five individuals who were trafficking methamphetamine between Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties. Authorities also reported seizing 60 firearms, including two stolen handguns .

“Drug trafficking is a dangerous and often violent enterprise that makes communities less safe,” Shapiro said in his announcement. “These defendants used stolen firearms to peddle poison into Pennsylvania communities. We’re committed to working with our local and state partners to make Pennsylvania neighborhoods safer.”

Randy Cronrath, 56, of Reading; Clayton Hoppe, 48, of Quakertown; Steven Light, 61, of Pottstown; Derek Wagner, 46, of Stowe; and James Michelin, no age or address given were arrested and charged with corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver and possession of controlled substances. Cronrath and Michelin have been charged with receiving stolen property. Cronrath has also been charged with possession of firearms.

Cronrath, Hoppe and Light were being held in Berks County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail, according to court documents.

Wagner was released on $100,000 unsecured bail, according to court documents.

There were no court documents available for Michelin.

In addition to the firearms, agents seized 300 grams of crystal meth, $27,345 in cash, three vehicles and other paraphernalia.