Authorities in New York State announced on Friday “a major heroin and fentanyl takedown” involving a seizure of drugs with a street value of more than $13 million, some of which was distributed in Suffolk County. According to the attorney general’s office, it is the largest seizure in the 46 year history of New York’s Organized Crime Task Force.
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Schneiderman said it’s hard to tell if the drugs sold by this ring caused any deaths, but that some of the recent heroin-related deaths in the metropolitan area were probably the result of this operation.
Authorities said the cartel used secret compartments to hide the drugs inside vehicles. A news conference is set for Friday morning in New York City. “Our message to dealers and traffickers is simple: we will not tolerate anyone smuggling death into our state”.
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Dirty Dope”, began in April 2015 and involved the states of New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Arizona and New Jersey.
Those charged as major traffickers could face life in prison if convicted.
Wiretaps used in the investigation recorded the defendants discussing plans to mix toxic chemicals including roach killer, nail polish remover and chicken anesthetic in with the heroin to add to its bulk and value, and traffickers tested the quality of their heroin on people addicted to the drug without regarding whether or not it would kill them, according to law enforcement officials.
And in total, 25 people from 5 states are facing indictments.
What is most concerning, according to authorities, is that the ring was notoroius for cutting up the drugs with unsafe chemicals. It really requires a multi-level approach. “It’s a devastating problem”.
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Others indicted include: Manuel Castillano aka “Cuñado”; Manuel Amparo, aka “Cacu”; Tomas Salinas; Hector Diaz, aka “Shorty”; Gisette Hernandez; Jandhel Restituyo Vasquez; Yeimy Matias; Ryan Martinez; Fernando Suero; Oscarhyl Martinez Aude; Manuel Torres, aka “Raul”; Amauris Sanchez; Domingo Pena; Juan Miguel Marte Javier; Carlos Alberto Borges Perez; Jose R. Rodriquez aka “Rafa”; and Luis Martinez, aka “Majimbe”.
