10-07-2025
Investigators: THC vape cartridges delivered to home; Scranton man arrested
A Scranton man was arrested July 3 after police tracked a package containing 500 THC vape cartridges to a local residence, according to the criminal complaint.
During the month of July, investigators from the Lackawanna County district attorney's office, State Police Troop R Vice Unit and the Scranton Police Department Street Crimes Unit received a tip about illegal controlled substances being delivered to a local residence via delivery service and established surveillance there.
At about 3:30 p.m. July 3, investigators spotted a UPS driver dropping off at package at the suspect address.
Shortly afterward a red Toyota Prius pulled up and parked near the residence.
According to the complaint:
The driver, later identified as Benny Centeno, 25, got out of the vehicle with a backpack and entered the residence.
A short time later, Centeno, of 831 Beech St., left the residence with the backpack visibly heavier and drove east on Delaware Street.
The windows on the sedan were illegally tinted, and, given the corroborating information, investigators moved in to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle near the intersection of Madison Avenue and Delaware Street.
After Centeno was arrested, he told officers there were marijuana vape cartridges inside the vehicle and gave them permission to search.
Investigators found five boxes, each containing 100 THC cartridges inside the vehicle.
Centeno faces a felony charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, as well as misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on July 17 before District Judge Paul Keeler.
Centeno remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.
