close
close
awsum

Two dozen drug traffickers convicted, facing prison in massive fentanyl and cocaine bust

Neon
Two dozen drug traffickers convicted, facing prison in massive fentanyl and cocaine bust

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the convictions of 24 people involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that distributed heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in several counties in the state’s Capital Region. The investigation, conducted by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and local law enforcement, seized over $350,000 in narcotics, firearms and ammunition and led to the dismantling of a ring operating in Albany, Dutchess, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Saratoga. Schenectady counties.

The comprehensive investigation, completed last year, led to the filing of a lawsuit against these individuals in November. Four handguns, high-capacity magazines and approximately $50,000 in cash were also seized during the operation. The first sentence was given yesterday; One of the defendants, Elvis Colon, was facing 7.5 to 15 years in prison on charges related to heroin and fentanyl trafficking.

“We are committed to ending the opioid crisis in our state, and that means tackling this problem from every angle,” said Attorney General James, emphasizing the ring’s impact on communities and the need to prevent fentanyl from reaching the public. “This drug trafficking ring has established a vast network to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of drugs, and now they are being brought to justice.”

Key figures in regional smuggling network face sentencing

Among those convicted were Alexander Torres and Yamillet Galarza, identified as key players who coordinated the supply and distribution of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine throughout the Capital Region. Torres had multiple suppliers and branded his narcotics with special packaging to distinguish his products. The operation’s other manager, Efrain Acevedo, allegedly used his restaurant in Troy as a front to distribute cocaine and hide the proceeds.

As the investigation progressed, OCTF, with the assistance of the New York State Police, the City of Troy Police Department, and other agencies, conducted extensive surveillance and wiretaps on dozens of target phones to gather evidence. The broad scope of the operation reflects a concerted effort to prevent the spread of narcotics throughout the region.

Sentences given to all 24 convicted defendants are changing

In addition to Colon, who was convicted by a jury earlier this month, several other defendants face prison terms under state sentencing guidelines:

  • Javier Column He was convicted of Second Degree Conspiracy and first degree drug sales and sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison.
  • alexander torres And Abner Velasquez Both face 10 years in prison if convicted of second-degree possession and sale.
  • Additional sentences range from two to 15 years; The defendants face varying levels of drug-related charges, including sale and possession, depending on their participation in the operation.

Other defendants include people like Erick and Raul Baez, Jose Cintron, Mercedes Danahy and Jack Frazier, all of whom were convicted of charges of varying seriousness, primarily related to controlled substance possession and distribution. The convictions mark a significant advance in the state’s efforts to reduce drug trafficking, and the sentences are designed to deter similar operations in the future.

OCTF-led investigation and prosecution

The investigation of the case was led by the OCTF with assistance from various law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police and local sheriff’s offices, as well as the U.S. Army National Guard Drug Enforcement Task Force. OCTF’s legal team, led by Deputy Attorney General Nicole Keary and Chief Deputy Jose Maldonado, worked with legal support analysts and investigators to see the case through the extensive judicial process.

Attorney General James expressed his appreciation for the law enforcement partners who contributed to the operation, crediting their efforts with the successful conclusion of a complex, months-long investigation.

Related Posts