New York State leaders have successfully dismantled a drug trafficking ring operating in the Hudson Valley.
Four individuals have been arrested by New York State Police following an extensive 11-month investigation into their alleged involvement in a major fentanyl trafficking operation.
Takedown Of Fentanyl & Cocaine Trafficking Ring
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The group was reported by New York Attorney General Letitia James for selling cocaine, powder fentanyl, and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl across Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties.
“Drug traffickers who distribute lethal amounts of opioids put communities throughout our state in danger,” James stated. “Not only did these individuals sell deadly narcotics, they disguised fentanyl in fake prescription pills, putting the lives of their customers at even greater risk.
Drugs Sold In Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange Counties
In Dutchess County Court, a total of 122 charges were brought against the following individuals, as revealed in an unsealed indictment.
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- Xavier Grant a/k/a “X,” 22 years old of Poughkeepsie, New York;
- Antawone West, 25 years old of Poughkeepsie, New York;
- Michael Jones a/k/a “Slime,” 33 years old of Poughkeepsie, New York; and
- Kenyi Torres, 45 years old of Middletown, New York.
“This takedown marks the latest major drug bust in OAG’s Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (SURGE) Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New York’s heroin, opioid, and narcotics trafficking networks,” the AG’s office told Hudson Valley Post in a press release.
Over $1 Million Worth Of Drugs, Cash, Guns Seized
Authorities have reported the seizure of drugs, cash, and firearms with an estimated value surpassing $1 million. The confiscated items include:
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- Two and a half kilograms of cocaine;
- Thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl weighing over two and a half kilograms;
- Three and a half kilograms of powder fentanyl;
- Five illegal handguns, including two ghost guns and four high-capacity magazines;
- Drug paraphernalia, including scales, ziplock bags, glassine envelopes, and other packaging materials used to package and measure narcotics;
- Two “kilo” presses;
- Approximately $255,000 in cash.
