Tag:

Narcotics Trafficking

'Ruthless' Brick City Brims Druglord From Montclair Convicted Of Three Murders, More 'Ruthless' Brick City Brims Druglord From Montclair Convicted Of Three Murders, More
'Ruthless' Brick City Brims Druglord From Montclair Convicted Of Three Murders, More The leader of a notorious Essex County street gang that dominated the region's drug trade was convicted by a federal jury of three murders, among other counts, authorities said. Michael Healy, 43, of Montclair, "ruthlessly ordered murders so that he could protect his narcotics operation and continue to sell large quantities of dangerous [drugs],” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said after federal jurors in Newark returned their verdicts on Wednesday, April 3. Healy "recruited men to kill someone he thought was an informant, and even when they killed the wrong person – a bystander – he ord…
Man Known As 'Kitty' Nabbed With Thousands Of Fentanyl Pills In Bridgeport Home, Police Say Man Known As 'Kitty' Nabbed With Thousands Of Fentanyl Pills In Bridgeport Home, Police Say
Man Known As 'Kitty' Nabbed With Thousands Of Fentanyl Pills In Bridgeport Home, Police Say A 28-year-old Fairfield County man has been charged with narcotics trafficking offenses after thousands of fentanyl pills and other drugs were allegedly found in his home.  Bridgeport resident Jermel Bates, also known as “Mel Kitty” and “Kitty,” was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday, March 28, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut. As alleged in the indictment, court documents, and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of Friday, June 25, 2023, Bates crashed his vehicle into a parked car in Bridgeport and fled the scene on foot.&…
Dutchess County Guns, Drugs Trafficking Networks Busted, 7 Arrested, AG Says Dutchess County Guns, Drugs Trafficking Networks Busted, 7 Arrested, AG Says
Dutchess County Guns, Drugs Trafficking Networks Busted, 7 Arrested, AG Says Large gun trafficking and narcotics networks were busted and seven suspects were arrested during raids in the region. The networks and suspects were operating out of Dutchess County, mostly in the Poughkeepsie area, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James. The arrests were made on Wednesday, Feb. 14 throughout Dutchess County. According to James, the gun trafficking network sold ghost guns and assault-style rifles and the narcotics trafficking network distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing deadly amounts of fentanyl in Dutchess County.  The takedowns recovere…
Fugitive Wanted For Narcotics Trafficking Caught With Gun At Eastchester Gas Station Fugitive Wanted For Narcotics Trafficking Caught With Gun At Eastchester Gas Station
Fugitive Wanted For Narcotics Trafficking Caught With Gun At Eastchester Gas Station A fugitive wanted on federal narcotics trafficking charges and his two passengers were taken into custody following a traffic stop at a gas station in Westchester, police announced.  The arrests stemmed from an incident on Monday, Jan. 29 that began around 10:15 a.m., when authorities saw a 2023 Hyundai Sonata with tinted windows and an expired North Carolina registration traveling east on the Cross County Parkway, Westchester County Police said on Thursday, Feb. 1.  Officers then followed the Hyundai to New Rochelle Road in Eastchester and pulled it over as it entered a…
Drug Raid Turns Up Heroin, Oxy, $22K At Gutternberg Home: Police Drug Raid Turns Up Heroin, Oxy, $22K At Gutternberg Home: Police
Drug Raid Turns Up Heroin, Oxy, $22K At Gutternberg Home: Police Two Guttenberg residents were arrested following an investigation into narcotics trafficking in the Town of Guttenberg, authorities said. On Friday, Jan. 26 at 5:05 a.m., the Guttenberg Police Department's Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at a home on 69th Street, officers said. Detectives recovered over an ounce of suspected heroin, prescription pills believed like oxycodone, cutting agents used to manufacture controlled dangerous substances, packaging materials used to distribute narcotics and $22,000 in cash, police sai…
Pair Of New Windsor Drug Dealers Behind Bars Following 10-Month Investigation, DA Says Pair Of New Windsor Drug Dealers Behind Bars Following 10-Month Investigation, DA Says
Pair Of New Windsor Drug Dealers Behind Bars Following 10-Month Investigation, DA Says Two Hudson Valley men are behind bars following a months-long investigation into drug sales in the region. Orange County residents Steven Gordon, age 58, and John Maines, age 66, both of New Windsor, were held on various weapons and drug charges following a warrant search of a home. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler and Town of New Windsor Police Chief Daniel Valeri said both men were the focus of a 10-month investigation into narcotics trafficking throughout the town of New Windsor and surrounding areas.  New Windsor Police investigated in collaboration with the: Ora…
'Ruthless' Gang Members Charged In Murder, Robbery Spree In Suffolk County 'Ruthless' Gang Members Charged In Murder, Robbery Spree In Suffolk County
'Ruthless' Gang Members Charged In Murder, Robbery Spree In Suffolk County Three alleged gang members are in federal custody in connection with several murders and home robberies that occurred on Long Island. In a 32-count superseding indictment unsealed in federal court in Central Islip on Thursday, Jan. 4, Bloods gang members Dwayne Murray, Kendrick Seymore, and Lavalle Wilson are charged with attempted murder and other charges. Prosecutors allege that the trio took part in numerous violent acts on the gang’s behalf, including robberies, home invasions, and “vicious” shootings and murders. Murry is accused of fatally shooting 36-year-old Wayne Cherry in the hea…
4 Bridgeport Gang Members Convicted, 8 Murders, 20 Attempted Murders Solved 4 Bridgeport Gang Members Convicted, 8 Murders, 20 Attempted Murders Solved
4 Bridgeport Gang Members Convicted, 8 Murders, 20 Attempted Murders Solved Four gang members have been found guilty of racketeering related to their involvement in a violent Connecticut street gang. Bridgeport residents found guilty on Tuesday, Dec. 5 included: Keishawn Donald, age 22 Trevon Wright, also known as “Tre,” age 22 Eric Hayes, also known as “Heavyweight Champ,” age 26 Travon Jones, also known as “Budda,” age 21 According to the evidence presented during a month-long trial, the FBI, ATF, DEA, US Marshals Service, and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, a…
Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine Leaves 4 Dead: Riverhead Man Admits Guilt Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine Leaves 4 Dead: Riverhead Man Admits Guilt
Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine Leaves 4 Dead: Riverhead Man Admits Guilt A Long Island man has pleaded guilty to running a narcotics trafficking business that led to the overdose deaths of four men in a single day, authorities announced. On Thursday, Nov. 2, Marquis Douglas of Riverhead admitted his role in the North Fork trafficking operation, according to the Eastern District of New York United States Attorney’s Office. Earlier Report: Duo Charged In Connection With Overdose Deaths Of Four On East End Of Long Island The USAO’s Office alleged that Douglas, age 38, was responsible for orchestrating a years-long conspiracy to distribute: Over five kil…
Leader Of Warren County’s ‘Largest’ Drug Network Nabbed, 42 Heroin Bricks Seized: Prosecutor Leader Of Warren County’s ‘Largest’ Drug Network Nabbed, 42 Heroin Bricks Seized: Prosecutor
Leader Of Warren County’s ‘Largest’ Drug Network Nabbed, 42 Heroin Bricks Seized: Prosecutor Four pounds of methamphetamine, 42 bricks of heroin, and a slew of other drugs were discovered at a Warren County home, resulting in the arrest of two residents — one who authorities say was the leader of the area’s largest narcotics trafficking network. Charlie L. Cole, 44, and Shakiera Armstrong, 31, of Phillipsburg, were charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, as well as child endangerment and various weapons offenses, Warren County Prosecutor James L. Pfeiffer said in a release on Friday, Oct. 27. Cole was also charged with lead…
Police Officer, Yonkers Man Nabbed For Planning To Distribute Fentanyl, Heroin: Feds Police Officer, Yonkers Man Nabbed For Planning To Distribute Fentanyl, Heroin: Feds
Police Officer, Yonkers Man Nabbed For Planning To Distribute Fentanyl, Heroin: Feds A police officer and a Westchester man face years in prison for conspiring to distribute narcotics, officials announced.  New York City Police Officer and Bronx resident Grace Rosa Baez, age 37, and Yonkers resident Cesar Martinez, age 43, were both arrested on narcotics distribution charges, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Friday, Oct. 20. According to federal officials, between Monday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 19, Baez and Martinez had several conversations about wholesale narcotics trafficking with a "confidential source" worki…
6K+ Fentanyl Pills Seized, 36 PA Drug Dealers Caught: York DA Says 6K+ Fentanyl Pills Seized, 36 PA Drug Dealers Caught: York DA Says
6K+ Fentanyl Pills Seized, 36 PA Drug Dealers Caught: York DA Says A two-year-long investigation has led to the arrest of 37 people from Pennsylvania and Maryland, the York County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday.  The York County Drug Task Force and the Hanover Borough Police Department began the investigation in Nov. 2021, following the arrest of Billy Austin Norris who was allegedly caught delivering cocaine.  The investigation uncovered a large network of illegal narcotics trafficking of Pennsylvanians and Maryland in southeast York County. The following people were caught in this investigation and charged as stated, per the…
Smoke Shops Raids Turn Up Marijuana, Untaxed Tobacco In Camden County: Cops Smoke Shops Raids Turn Up Marijuana, Untaxed Tobacco In Camden County: Cops
Smoke Shops Raids Turn Up Marijuana, Untaxed Tobacco In Camden County: Cops A pair of smoke shops allegedly selling marijuana and untaxed tobacco were raided by police and state agents in South Jersey, authorities said. The raids resulted in the arrest of three men from New York City and Delaware, Gloucester Township police said on Thursday, Sept. 28. On Sept. 19, the Gloucester Township Police Department with the assistance of Winslow Township PD, Clayton Borough PD and agents from the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Taxation, Office of Criminal Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at two smoke shop retail locations in Camden County. The…
4 Charged With Selling Cocaine, Fentanyl, Pills In Danbury, Police Say 4 Charged With Selling Cocaine, Fentanyl, Pills In Danbury, Police Say
4 Charged With Selling Cocaine, Fentanyl, Pills In Danbury, Police Say A months-long operation into a local narcotics trafficking organization in Northern Fairfield County resulted in four arrests and the seizure of large amounts of drugs and cash, police said.  The arrests resulted from the execution of 18 search warrants and an arrest warrant by the Brookfield and Danbury Police Departments on Wednesday, March 8 that stemmed from a months-long investigation into a local narcotics trafficking organization.  The investigation, known as "Operation Trinity Café," began when police responded to a non-fatal overdose in Brookfield and learned that Da…
Pagans Motorcycle Gang's Meth Dealer Heads To Prison In Pennsylvania: USDOJ Pagans Motorcycle Gang's Meth Dealer Heads To Prison In Pennsylvania: USDOJ
Pagans Motorcycle Gang's Meth Dealer Heads To Prison In Pennsylvania: Usdoj A man who was known as a methamphetamine dealer for the Pagan's Motorcycle Club has admitted to violating federal narcotics trafficking laws and has been sentenced for his crimes according to a release by the US Department of Justice on Monday, January 23, 2023. Joshua Birrell, 40, formerly of Latrobe, was sentenced to five years of imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville on Jan. 11, 2023. During the hearing, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, told the Cour…
Gang Members, Associates From Newburgh Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, Other Offenses Gang Members, Associates From Newburgh Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, Other Offenses
Gang Members, Associates From Newburgh Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, Other Offenses The FBI and other law enforcement officials in the Hudson Valley raided numerous homes in a warrant sweep charging 14 members of a street gang for committing various racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses.  The "takedown," took place in Orange and Dutchess counties on Thursday, Dec. 1, focusing on Poughkeepsie and the city of Newburgh, said Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. An indictment charges several members of the Young Gunnaz Gang, aka “YG," with acts of violence. This includes Kashad Sampson, aka “Shoca,” a YG leader who is charged w…
Owner, Employees Of Sayville Motel Accused Of Facilitating Sex Trafficking, Drug Sales Owner, Employees Of Sayville Motel Accused Of Facilitating Sex Trafficking, Drug Sales
Owner, Employees Of Sayville Motel Accused Of Facilitating Sex Trafficking, Drug Sales The owner and employees of a Long Island motel were charged after investigators found that they allowed and profited from prostitution and narcotics trafficking at the business. The news comes after an investigation into activities at the Sayville Motor Lodge, according to an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from Breon Peace, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Peace said the following individuals were charged with sex trafficking conspiracy and managing a drug premises: Narendarakuma Dadarwala, age 76, of Sayville Shardaben Dadarwala, age 69, of Sayville J…
5 Bridgeport Men Convicted Of Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine 5 Bridgeport Men Convicted Of Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine
5 Bridgeport Men Convicted Of Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine Five Fairfield County men have been convicted of narcotics trafficking in the area. According to Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, a federal jury in Bridgeport found the five men guilty of narcotics trafficking offenses on Friday, Oct. 14: The five, all  of Bridgeport, are: Wallace Best, also known as “Coop,” age  55 Jeffrey Thomas, also known as “Zig,” age 49 Jason Cox, age 48, also of Savannah, Georgia as well as Bridgeport Frank Jamont Best, also known as “JB,” and “Cash,” age 49 Lamont D. Jefferies, age 55 According to court documents, in 20…
DEA Bust Nets 15,000 Fentanyl Pills During NY Traffic Stop DEA Bust Nets 15,000 Fentanyl Pills During NY Traffic Stop
DEA Bust Nets 15,000 Fentanyl Pills During NY Traffic Stop One person was arrested and approximately 15,000 fentanyl pills were seized as part of an ongoing investigation into a fentanyl trafficking organization.  The seizure took place on the Manhattan side of the Lincoln Tunnel on Wednesday, Sept. 28, when DEA agents stopped a New Jersey woman. The drugs were found when the DEA Task Force was conducting surveillance as part of an ongoing investigation into narcotics trafficking when they allegedly observed Latesha Bush, a 48-year-old Trenton, New Jersey, resident carrying what appeared to be a black tote bag wrapped around a large object as …
Fugitive MS-13 Member Extradited From El Salvador To Face Murder, Other Charges On Long Island Fugitive MS-13 Member Extradited From El Salvador To Face Murder, Other Charges On Long Island
Fugitive MS-13 Member Extradited From El Salvador To Face Murder, Other Charges On Long Island An MS-13 gang member accused of taking part in the brutal killing of a 20-year-old man on Long Island has been extradited to the United States. Jose Jonathan Guevara-Castro was extradited from El Salvador on Tuesday, Aug. 9, nearly a month after the country’s top court gave the green light, the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District announced. Guevara-Castro, also known as “Suspechoso,” had been detained in El Salvador since August 2020, weeks after he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Central Islip for the murder of Kerin Pineda. The former Freeport High School student’s body …
Torrington Man Charged After Search Warrant Uncovers Crack Cocaine, Fentanyl, Police Say Torrington Man Charged After Search Warrant Uncovers Crack Cocaine, Fentanyl, Police Say
Torrington Man Charged After Search Warrant Uncovers Crack Cocaine, Fentanyl, Police Say A Connecticut man is facing charges after authorities reported he was found in possession of crack cocaine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia.  Police executed a search warrant in Litchfield County at a residence on Holley Place in Torrington at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, and arrested 34-year-old Bryan Gladding after detectives saw him engage in a narcotics transaction, according to Connecticut State Police. Bryan GladdingConnecticut State Police Police said Gladding was found in possession of: 32 grams of crack cocaine packaged for distribution 12 wax folds containing Fentanyl A…
14 Charged After Investigation Into Waterbury Drug Trafficking 14 Charged After Investigation Into Waterbury Drug Trafficking
14 Charged After Investigation Into Waterbury Drug Trafficking Fourteen people have been nabbed following a long-term investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement in connection with a narcotics trafficking ring in Connecticut. The individuals were arrested throughout New Haven County on Wednesday, May 25 on federal narcotics trafficking charges related to the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and oxycodone in and around Waterbury, US Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery said. Those arrested included: Javier Gonzalez, age 50, of Waterbury Francisco Gonzalez, age 51, of Waterbury Christopher Cammilletti, age 30, of South…
Leader Of Hudson Valley "Southside" Street Gang Charged With Murder, Firearms Offenses Leader Of Hudson Valley "Southside" Street Gang Charged With Murder, Firearms Offenses
Leader Of Hudson Valley "Southside" Street Gang Charged With Murder, Firearms Offenses An alleged street gang leader in the Hudson Valley is facing life in prison after being charged with murder and firearms offenses, federal prosecutors announced. Ardae Hines - also known as “Young Money,” and “YM” - a leader of the Orange County “Southside” street gang in the city of Newburgh, is facing multiple charges for his role in the 2016 murder of Deandric Little. Prosecutors said between 2014 and June 2017, the “Southside Gang” operated around the intersection of South Street and Chambers Street in Newburgh. According to the indictment, to gain funds for the gang, protect the gang’…
Gang Member From Fairfield County Involved In Shootings Sentenced Gang Member From Fairfield County Involved In Shootings Sentenced
Gang Member From Fairfield County Involved In Shootings Sentenced A Fairfield County gang member has been sentenced to 8.3 years in prison for offenses from his membership in a violent street gang. Jacquon BeneJan, also known as “Blick,” age 20, of Bridgeport, was sentenced on Wednesday, Feb. 2, followed by three years of supervised release, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut. According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, US Marshals Service, and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts…
CT Man Involved In Drug Ring Sentenced CT Man Involved In Drug Ring Sentenced
CT Man Involved In Drug Ring Sentenced A Connecticut man has been sentenced to 43 months in federal prison for his role in a southeastern Connecticut drug trafficking ring. New London County resident Victor Encarnacion, age 34, of Norwich, was sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 27, said Leonard Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut,  According to the US Attorney's Office, Encarnacion was busted during an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wir…
Fairfield County Man Sentenced For Racketeering, Witness Tampering Fairfield County Man Sentenced For Racketeering, Witness Tampering
Fairfield County Man Sentenced For Racketeering, Witness Tampering A Fairfield County gang member has been sentenced to more than 24 years in prison for racketeering and witness tampering. Shakale Brantley, also known as “Charlie Wilson,” “Kellz,” and “Man Man,” age 22, of Bridgeport, was sentenced Wednesday, Jan. 26, said Leonard Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut. According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts of violence. Brantley …
Fairfield County Man Sentenced For Trafficking Narcotics Fairfield County Man Sentenced For Trafficking Narcotics
Fairfield County Man Sentenced For Trafficking Narcotics A 62-year-old Fairfield County man has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for trafficking narcotics. Kevin Lucas, also known as "Dutch," of Bridgeport, was sentenced on Wednesday, Jan. 19, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut. According to court documents and statements made in court, between May and August 2019, law enforcement made a series of controlled purchases of redistribution quantities of heroin from Lucas.   Lucas was arrested in August 2019, and a search of his residence on that date revealed additional distribution quantities of heroin,…
CT Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced To Federal Prison CT Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced To Federal Prison
CT Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced To Federal Prison A Connecticut fentanyl dealer has been sentenced to five years in prison for distributing the drug. Johnny Ortega, also known as "Clatcho," age 39, of Hartford was sentenced on Tuesday, Dec. 28, according to Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating Ricardo Reyes, also known as “Rick the Ruler,” a member of the Los Solidos street gang who was distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack in the area of Park Street and Hungerford Street…
Fairfield County Brothers Busted For Drugs Following Investigation, Police Say Fairfield County Brothers Busted For Drugs Following Investigation, Police Say
Fairfield County Brothers Busted For Drugs Following Investigation, Police Say Following a six-month-long investigation, two Fairfield County brothers have been arrested with an alleged large amount of cocaine and cash at their homes. On Thursday, July 15, Norwalk Police Department Special Services Division arrested brothers Giovanny Padilla and John Padilla, both of Norwalk, were arrested following a search of their home, said Sgt. Sofia Gulino. During the search, officers seized some 260 grams of powder cocaine and $8,000 in cash, in addition to a vehicle, four cell phones, computers, and other electronics used to facilitate narcotics trafficking…
Rochelle Park Police Make Another Drug Bust On Route 17 Rochelle Park Police Make Another Drug Bust On Route 17
Rochelle Park Police Make Another Drug Bust On Route 17 Rochelle Park police continued a series of drug arrests along busy Route 17. Officer Chris Kizcka stopped a Kia Forte for equipment violations on the northbound highway on Monday and found 250 bags of heroin, some pot and $600 in suspected proceeds after getting consent to search the vehicle, Lt. James DePreta said. Assisted by Sgt. Jared Shatkin, Kizcka arrested the passenger, Rodney Stowers, 21, of Wilkes Barre, PA on drug and money laundering charges. Stowers was sent to the Bergen County Jail to await a first court appearance. Police Chief Dean Pinto praised the work of his officers w…
Fairfield County 20-Year-Old Nabbed For Drug Possession, Dealing, Police Say Fairfield County 20-Year-Old Nabbed For Drug Possession, Dealing, Police Say
Fairfield County 20-Year-Old Nabbed For Drug Possession, Dealing, Police Say A Fairfield County man has been arrested for allegedly possessing and selling drugs after a four-month-long investigation. Jose Joel Sauceda Molina, age 20, of Norwalk, was arrested on Tuesday, May 11, by the investigators of the Norwalk Police Department Special Services Division as a result of a four-month-long investigation into narcotics trafficking, said Sgt. Sofia Gulino. The investigation, which spanned the Fairfield County area, provided sufficient evidence allowing investigators to obtain and execute a search and seizure warrant at Molina’s residence, Gulino said. The residence s…