Attorney General James Secures Convictions in $250,000 Fentanyl and Cocaine Operation
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the successful convictions of 14 individuals involved in a significant drug trafficking ring in Western New York. The operation was responsible for distributing over $250,000 worth of fentanyl pills and cocaine in Erie and Niagara counties. The central figures have received state prison sentences following an extensive investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF).
The investigation resulted in the seizure of 1,440 counterfeit prescription “M-30” fentanyl pills, nearly one kilogram of cocaine valued at $130,000, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and more than $4,000 in cash. The operation was primarily based in Buffalo and involved complex distribution networks and coded language to evade law enforcement.
Attorney General Letitia James stated, “Stopping drug trafficking operations that sell deadly narcotics is critical to keeping New Yorkers safe. Not only did these traffickers distribute deadly amounts of fentanyl, they put New Yorkers in even more danger by disguising their drugs as prescription pills. I want to thank our partners in law enforcement for helping to secure these convictions. My office will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect New Yorkers’ safety and bring those fueling the opioid addiction crisis to justice.”
Key figures and their sentences include:
- Charles Sims: Pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree; sentenced to nine years in prison.
- Musa Ramadan: Pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree; sentenced to eight years in prison.
- Tevin Jeter: Pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree; sentenced to four years in prison.
- Michael McPhee: Pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree; sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.
DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino commented, “The guilty pleas from members of this Drug Trafficking ring are a result of the collaborative effort DEA New York has with New York’s Office of the Attorney General, New York State Police, and our law enforcement partners effectively targeting those organizations and individuals poisoning our communities.”
The 18-month investigation utilized physical and wiretap surveillance to track and dismantle the network. Key operatives were caught through intercepted phone conversations where they used cryptic terminology to discuss their illegal activities.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added, “This investigation and the convictions against these 14 individuals are evidence of the commitment we share with our law enforcement partners in keeping dangerous drugs off our streets.”
Leave a Reply