A Centre County man is locked up in Schuylkill County Prison after a drug bust led to the seizure of methamphetamine and weapons.
A joint investigation conducted by the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police from Troop L—Reading and Troop G—Hollidaysburg has resulted in the execution of multiple search and seizure warrants in both Centre County and Schuylkill County.
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, law enforcement officials executed a court-authorized search and seizure warrant on a 2009 Ford Fusion operated by Caelan Benjamin Conrad Houk, a 24-year-old resident of Centre County, Pennsylvania. During the search of the vehicle, authorities discovered a significant quantity of contraband, including:
- Over one pound of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated street value exceeding $18,000.
- One Taurus 9mm pistol along with ammunition.
As a result of this seizure, Houk was charged with multiple violations under the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, as well as Pennsylvania Crimes Code statutes, including:
- Possession With the Intent to Deliver (methamphetamine)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine)
- Persons Not to Possess, Use, Manufacture, Control, Sell, or Transfer Firearms
- Firearms Not to be Carried Without a License
Following his arrest, Houk was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer in Tamaqua. His bail was set at $250,000 straight cash, and he was subsequently remanded to the Schuylkill County Prison, where he awaits his preliminary hearing.
In a continuation of the investigation, law enforcement officials, including members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Centre County Drug Task Force, and the State College Police Department, executed a second search warrant at an apartment in Centre County believed to be linked to Houk.
During this search, additional contraband was seized, including:
- Approximately three pounds of suspected methamphetamine, valued at over $54,000.
- One Smith & Wesson .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number.
- Approximately one ounce of psilocybin mushrooms, valued at over $200.
- Approximately 380 MDMA (Ecstasy) pills, with an estimated street value of $3,800.
- Several hundred amphetamine pills and anabolic steroids.
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| Caelan Houck |
