Crime & Safety

Alleged Westgate Mall Ecstasy Dealer Busted

State police informant met alleged Allentown dealer at Westgate Mall twice to buy Ecstasy. The second time, suspect led troopers on a high-speed chase through West Bethlehem.

 

An Allentown man is accused of selling Ecstasy pills to a confidential Pennsylvania State Police informant at the and then fleeing from a subsequent bust and leading police on a high-speed car chase through West Bethlehem, according to court records.

Anthony Felix Santiago, 19, of 627 N. 16th St., allegedly made his first sale to the police informant at the Westgate Mall on July 3, selling five MDMA “Molly” pills for $75.

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“Molly” and “Ecstasy” are two of the slang names for MDMA, a drug that can produce a state of euphoria, a sense of intimacy with others and reduce anxiety. It is commonly associated with dance parties known as “raves” and electronic dance music.

The pills are also illegal and can produce some negative after effects, such as paranoia, irritability, depression and impaired focus and concentration, according to Wikipedia.

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According to court records, Santiago and the police informant met for a second time on July 17, again at the Westgate Mall. This time, the sale was 10 pills for $150. It was to be a “buy and bust” operation, but state police units were unable to prevent Santiago’s car from leaving the mall, the arrest affidavit says.

A state police cruiser, with lights and sirens on, followed and pursued Santiago’s car through the streets of West Bethlehem in a high-speed chase along Catasauqua Road, Kelchner Road, Highland Avenue, Eaton Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue and finally Paul Avenue, where Santiago and a passenger fled on foot, according to the affidavit.

Santiago was arrested Tuesday and charged with possession and possession with intent to deliver drugs, fleeing and eluding police, two counts of criminal conspiracy and multiple summary traffic crimes, including driving under suspension and reckless driving.

He was committed to Lehigh County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail following his arraignment before .


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