The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the indictment and arrests of eight men for participating in an interstate heroin trafficking conspiracy based in Shenandoah.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment by a federal grand jury in Scranton on Sept. 9 was made public after all defendants were arrested. The indictment alleges the eight men conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin between July 2012 and the present.The indictment alleges that as part of the conspiracy, the defendants and/or their co-conspirators obtained heroin from suppliers in New Jersey, New York and Hazleton; maintained "stash houses" in Schuylkill County where heroin, firearms and money were stored; possessed firearms to protect their drug distribution locations and activities; used cellphones to communicate with drug associates and customers; distributed the drug to others in Schuylkill County; and used threats and intimidation to collect drug debts, punish disloyalty, and further the goals of the conspiracy.Those named in the indictment are all from Shenandoah and their charges are:• Rhashean Strange aka "Chicago," 30, conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin; three counts of distribution of heroin; and carrying and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;• Anthony Navarro-Velez aka "Essay," 30, conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin; three counts of distribution of heroin;• Jesus Santos, 35, conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin; four counts of distribution of heroin;• Thomas Nestor, 38, conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin; five counts of distribution of heroin;• Nicolai Varga, 25, conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin; two counts of distribution of heroin;• Derek Yashinsky aka "Clumzy," 25, conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin; three counts of distribution of heroin;• Carlos Correa, 30, conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin; three counts of distribution of heroin;• Paul Jadus, 50, conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin; two counts of distribution of heroin; maintaining a building, room or enclosure for the purpose of storing, distributing or using heroin.The government is also seeking forfeiture of property allegedly used in the activities or were part of the proceeds, and were seized by law enforcement officers, including four firearms and approximately $13,000 in cash found in two Shenandoah residences. The government is also seeking a $1 million asset forfeiture money judgment.