Drug Bust in Dunkirk Leads to Multiple Charges

(WNY News Now) – In a joint operation, law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at 73 E. Front St. Dunkirk, NY, resulting in the arrest of a Dunkirk man and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash.

Dunkirk – A lengthy narcotics investigation culminated in the execution of a search warrant at 73 E. Front St. in Dunkirk, NY, today at 11:45 AM. The operation was conducted collaboratively by Narcotics Investigators from the Dunkirk Police Department, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI Safe Streets. Prior to the search, Draonn Richardson-Copeland, 35, was stopped by authorities on Lake Front Blvd in Dunkirk and detained.

While in the back of a patrol car, Richardson-Copeland attempted to destroy evidence of drug possession. During the search, investigators uncovered 2.89 grams of fentanyl, 2.18 grams of methamphetamine, 1.5 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded .380 pistol, drug paraphernalia, packaging materials indicative of narcotics distribution, and $3,261 in cash.

Richardson-Copeland now faces a slew of charges, including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd, Criminal Nuisance 1st, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. He is set to be arraigned in the City of Dunkirk Court.