(WNY News Now) – A joint drug task force operation in Machias resulted in the seizure of multiple narcotics and the arrest of two local residents.
MACHIAS, N.Y. — The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office reports that two individuals were arrested following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in the Town of Machias on April 8, 2025.
At approximately 8:55 p.m., members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force—comprised of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, Salamanca Police Department, and Olean Police Street Crimes Unit—executed the warrant at 32 Sunset Drive. The operation was supported by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Special Response Team.
Authorities say the investigation revealed the residence was being used for the distribution of illegal narcotics. During the search, officers reportedly discovered quantities of suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and drug paraphernalia.
As a result, Michael J. Connors, 43, and Richard A. Smith, 38, both of Machias, were arrested and charged with multiple drug offenses.
Connors faces charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (two counts) and Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree. Smith was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree and Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree.
Both individuals were arraigned and are currently being held pending further legal proceedings. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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