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Ian Diaz-Reales, 27, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was arrested on March 2 while attempting to board an outbound flight with the massive drug stash, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office. Diaz-Reales had already been wanted for allegedly purchasing multiple firearms and illegally funneling them to criminals involved in drug trafficking, gang activity, and violence, authorities said.
The Berks County Gun Violence Reduction Task Force and federal agents launched an investigation after tracing several seized firearms back to Diaz-Reales. He bought at least eight handguns from licensed dealers between March 2020 and April 2023—four of which were recovered from individuals legally barred from owning them, authorities explained.
A warrant was issued for Diaz-Reales on Feb. 19, but his whereabouts were unknown. His arrest at JFK not only led to drug smuggling charges in New York but also allowed authorities to serve the Pennsylvania warrant.
Diaz-Reales was extradited on March 12 and arraigned before District Judge Richard Drumheller, who set bail at $100,000.
“This arrest sends a clear message that our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue those who threaten public safety through gun trafficking and drug smuggling,” District Attorney John T. Adams said.
Under Pennsylvania’s Brad Fox Law, Diaz-Reales faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison if convicted.
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