Crystal meth seized in search of Unity man's home
Police serving a search warrant this week confiscated about 2- 1⁄2 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from a Unity Township home, according to investigators.
Authorities believe George Kenneth Wurthman, 57, of Bethel Church Road was dealing the drug.
“It's probably the biggest (crystal meth bust) not only in Westmoreland County, but in Western Pa.,” said county Detective Tony Marcocci, who worked with state police to make the arrest on Monday. “We don't see crystal meth too much.”
Authorities estimated the value of the seized drugs at $30,000 to $40,000.
State police started a community enforcement team about a month ago to focus on the drug problem, said Trooper Stephen Limani. Troopers at five stations in the region, including Greensburg and Kiski Valley in Westmoreland County, are on the team.
“It is comprised of our most-aggressive troopers in drug interdiction,” Limani said. “We are trying to implement as many new things to keep up with the drug epidemic.”
Crystal meth isn't manufactured locally, Marcocci said.
“This stuff is brought in from out of state, typically the West Coast,” he said.
Investigators searched Wurthman's home at 4 p.m. Monday and found two guns that had been reported stolen, crystal meth and $1,400 in a safe, a digital scale and bagging material, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Police also took six rifles that Wurthman owns.
Wurthman is charged with possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, receiving stolen property and drug possession. He was arraigned Monday night and jailed at the Westmoreland County Prison on $150,000 bail.
He did not have an attorney listed in online court records.
A preliminary hearing is set for April 24.
Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-837-5374 or rsignorini@tribweb.com.
