Spring City Drug Bust Yields Two Arrests

Spring City police have arrested two residents of the Highview Gardens Apartments on South Cedar Street after police were tipped off that "a clandestine drug-dealing operation was well under way," Police Chief Tony Kuklinski said in a press release sent to media on Sunday.

Police said that Kalin Thomas, 20, and Melvin Hampton, 23, both of Spring City, were suspected of dealing cocaine out of the apartment that Thomas rented.

Kulkliski said tips from sources within the apartment complex began the investigation. Informants were developed and controlled purchases were made from the two individuals prior to their arrest.

Police said they found "a significant amount of cocaine and marijuana," a cutting agent, and drug paraphernalia when they entered the apartment with a search warrant on Friday morning.

Additionally, police seized items they believe to have been purchased with cash proceeds from the alleged drug distribution operation, including a car, a flat-screen television and jewelry. 

Kuklinski said the arrests were made with the assistance of Phoenixville, Royersford and East Pikeland police and Chester County detectives.

Thomas and Hampton have been charged with a number of offenses, mostly relating to the manufacture, delivery, possession and distribution of controlled substances. Both were arraigned before Magisterial District Justice Theodore Michaels and remanded to Chester County prison in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.

According to court records, Thomas was arrested on similar charges several months ago and was out on bail awaiting trial on those charges. 

Hampton has had run-ins with the law on several occasions, court records show, including charges of public drunkenness, fighting and disorderly conduct.

Kuklinski said in the press release that Spring City residents are encouraged to "continue to call and report any incidents of suspected drug activity."

The police department can be reached at 610-948-3456. All sources will remain confidential, Kuklinski said.