In a recent announcement, New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed that her office successfully prosecuted 14 individuals involved in trafficking large amounts of fentanyl in Erie and Niagara counties in northwestern New York. The defendants were found guilty of selling over $250,000 worth of cocaine and distributing thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone. These individuals were identified as key figures in a drug trafficking ring and received various sentences, including state prison time. The Attorney General emphasized the dangers of fentanyl and expressed a commitment to working with law enforcement agencies to eliminate the drug from communities.
The investigation into the drug trafficking ring, spanning 18 months, resulted in the confiscation of approximately 1,440 counterfeit prescriptions of M30 fentanyl pills and nearly one kilogram of cocaine valued at around $130,000. The collaborative effort between the Attorney General’s Office, the DEA Buffalo District Office, and the New York State Police Violent Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team led to the successful prosecution of the individuals involved. Superintendent Steven James of the New York State Police emphasized the importance of removing dangerous drugs from the streets and highlighted the impact of such criminal activities on communities and users. The investigation involved wiretapping of cellphones, ultimately uncovering the key figure in the trafficking network, Charles Sims.
Sims was identified as the central figure who purchased large quantities of cocaine from his co-defendants and supplied it to other individuals for resale. The investigation revealed a chain of distribution involving various defendants, including those who dealt with fentanyl pills. One defendant was found in possession of a loaded .45-caliber pistol during a traffic stop. All 14 defendants in the case were brought before Erie County Judge James Bargnesi for sentencing, with penalties ranging from probation to prison time based on the severity of the charges. The successful prosecution of these individuals serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and protecting communities from the harmful effects of such activities.
The Attorney General’s office, along with law enforcement partners, remains committed to tackling the distribution of dangerous drugs such as fentanyl and cocaine in communities across New York. The recent convictions of 14 individuals involved in a drug trafficking ring in northwestern New York highlight the dedication of law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for distributing illicit substances. The successful investigation and subsequent convictions underscore the importance of collaboration between various agencies in combating drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety of communities. The sentencing of the defendants by the Erie County Judge reflects the severity of the charges and aims to deter individuals from engaging in similar criminal activities in the future. The efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and protect communities from the harmful effects of such illicit activities remain a top priority for the Attorney General and law enforcement agencies in New York.
