A two-month investigation by prosecutors in Pike and Wayne counties has resulted in two arrests and the seizure of more than 12 ounces of cocaine, eight ounces of methamphetamine, and six firearms, according to a press release issued late Tuesday by the Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin and Wayne County District Attorney A.G. Howell. 

Gustave Debree IV, 52, of Lakeville, was arrested March 2 in Lackawaxen Township after investigators allege that he arrived to deliver cocaine. A subsequent search of his Ridge Crest Drive residence, based on two warrants, turned up more than 12 ounces of cocaine, drug packaging materials, and six firearms including a 9mm pistol and tactical shotgun.

Debree faces felony charges including possession with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communication facility, conspiracy, and six counts of prohibited person in possession of firearms. Following his arrest, Debree complained of chest pain and was transported to a hospital in New York State. After being medically cleared, was taken into custody by New York State Police and remanded to the Orange County, NY jail in Goshen. Debree waived extradition and awaits a preliminary hearing before Pike County Magisterial District Judge Ashley Zimmerman. 

Two days later, on March 4, investigators arrested Ryan Cartwright, 37, of Hawley, after finding approximately 250 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle. That followed the execution of two search warrants: one for a home at 47 East Road in Hawley and another for Cartright’s Ford 150 vehicle. 

According to court documents, Cartwright admitted during an interview to selling methamphetamine for several months and having just completed a sale before his arrest. Investigators estimate the street value at $12,500. 

Cartwright is charged with felony possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy. He was arraigned by Judge Zimmerman and is being held at Pike County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail.

The investigation involved the Pike and Wayne county district attorneys' offices, Pennsylvania State Police, sheriff's deputies from both counties, and the Lehigh Township Police K9 unit.

Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin and Wayne County District Attorney A.G. Howell said the joint effort reflects ongoing cooperation to combat drug trafficking across county lines.

Anyone with information on drug dealing can contact Pike County detectives at 570-296-3482 or Wayne County Chief Detective Peter Hower at 570-253-5970 x 2255. Anonymous tips can be submitted to 570-391-0657.