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KINGSTON — Two suspects accused of being involved in a 10-person drug ring that allegedly smuggled heroin and cocaine into the region are facing additional charges.
Cara Elizabeth Dubaskas, 25, and Adam D. Gottstein, 30, both of Kingston, were each arraigned on new counts stemming from a search at their residence.
According to a criminal complaint:
Officers from Kingston and Wilkes-Barre and Chief James O’Malley of the Plains Police Department, working as members of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, executed felony drug arrest warrants for Dubaskas and Gottstein on Feb. 10.
Surveillance was established at their residence on South Welles Avenue, and officers made entry and took both into custody.
Investigators discovered drug paraphernalia in plain view throughout the residence. They then obtained consent to search from Gottstein, who told officers where heroin, paraphernalia and cash were located.
Police then seized 340 bags of heroin, $388 in cash and paraphernalia, including a grinder and hypodermic needles.
Dubaskas and Gottstein named Charles “Bucky” Gibson as their supplier, according to investigators. Investigators have previously identified Gibson as the ringleader.
Dubaskas and Gottstein were each arraigned on charges of possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, and possession of a controlled substance before District Judge Thomas Sharkey on Wednesday.
Court documents indicate Gottstein waived two felony drug counts to county court. Charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were withdrawn.
He is scheduled for formal arraignment at the Luzerne County Courthouse at 10 a.m. April 4. He remains jailed for lack of bail.
Dubaskas is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Sharkey at 1:30 p.m. March 8. She is also jailed for lack of bail.
The remaining defendants have cases still pending in district court or the charges have already been sent to county court.
