Tag:

Drug Trafficking

American Airlines Mechanic Who Smuggled $250K Worth Of Cocaine On Flight Sentenced American Airlines Mechanic Who Smuggled $250K Worth Of Cocaine On Flight Sentenced
American Airlines Mechanic Who Smuggled $250K Worth Of Cocaine On Flight Sentenced An airplane mechanic from New York will spend nearly a decade behind bars for smuggling over 25 pounds of cocaine on an American Airlines plane. Long Island resident Paul Belloisi, age 56, of Smithtown, was sentenced to nine years in prison in Brooklyn federal court on Friday, Sept. 6, for possessing and importing cocaine. Belloisi, a former mechanic for American Airlines, was arrested in February 2020 after US Customs and Border Protection discovered 10 bricks of cocaine in an electronics compartment beneath a plane arriving from Jamaica at Kennedy International Airport in Queens . The c…
Drug Task Force Nabs Hudson Valley Fentanyl Dealer Drug Task Force Nabs Hudson Valley Fentanyl Dealer
Drug Task Force Nabs Hudson Valley Fentanyl Dealer A drug task force nabbed an alleged fentanyl dealer following an ongoing investigation in the region. The arrest occurred in Dutchess County in Poughkeepsie on Thursday, Aug. 22. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, the unit has been investigating the transportation and sale of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs being brought into Dutchess County from Orange County in Newburgh.  During the ongoing investigation, the drug dealer was identified as Antwan J. Wakely Jr, age 31, of Newburgh, who sold fentanyl and ot…
Hudson Valley Crystal Meth Dealer Charged Following Raid, Police Say Hudson Valley Crystal Meth Dealer Charged Following Raid, Police Say
Hudson Valley Crystal Meth Dealer Charged Following Raid, Police Say An alleged Hudson Valley drug dealer is behind bars following an investigation into crystal meth sales in the region. The warrant search raid occurred in Dutchess County on Saturday, Aug. 3, on Reservoir Road in Pawling. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, the group has been working on an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth,” fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs in the town of Pawling.  The investigation led to a residence on Reservoir Road near the entrance to the Pawling Mid…
Investigation Leads To Guns, Cash, Drugs, Hudson Valley Duo Charged, Police Say Investigation Leads To Guns, Cash, Drugs, Hudson Valley Duo Charged, Police Say
Investigation Leads To Guns, Cash, Drugs, Hudson Valley Duo Charged, Police Say A Hudson Valley man and woman were charged, and police seized drugs, guns, and cash following a two-year investigation into drug sales in the area.  The incident occurred in Orange County on Thursday, July 25, at three locations in the city of Middletown. According to Lt. Jeffry Thoelen of the Middletown Police, the  Department's Narcotics Unit executed three no-knock search warrants at two residences and a storage unit, concluding an extensive two-year investigation into the sale and trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine in and around the Middletown area.  …
AGAIN: Big Purple Bud Bus Guy, Woman Arrested After Series Of Raids Across NJ, NY, Cops Say AGAIN: Big Purple Bud Bus Guy, Woman Arrested After Series Of Raids Across NJ, NY, Cops Say
Again: Big Purple Bud Bus Guy, Woman Arrested After Series Of Raids Across NJ, NY, Cops Say The New York owner of a popular cannabis company known for its fleet of purple buses and vans was taken into custody, as was a woman, on Wednesday, July 10, following a series of raids across New Jersey and New York, authorities said. Searches on Bill Schlette’s Bud Bus Inc. locations Hewitt, Manahawkin, Keyport, and West Nyack, NY turned up $200,000 in cash, according to West Milford Police Capt. Parrello. Back in May, West Milford police executed search warrants at five Bud Bus locations in town where 150 pounds of marijuana were seized, along with $11,000 in cash, police said. A warrant …
2 Suspects Posing As Law Enforcement Nabbed In Hudson Valley $27K Phone Scam 2 Suspects Posing As Law Enforcement Nabbed In Hudson Valley $27K Phone Scam
2 Suspects Posing As Law Enforcement Nabbed In Hudson Valley $27K Phone Scam Two suspects from New Jersey posing as law enforcement authorities in New York were nabbed after allegedly scamming residents out of $27,000. The Hudson Valley incident occurred in Dutchess County on Tuesday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 19. According to Capt. John Watterson of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Vivek B. Shingarakhia, age 24, and Kishan Gajera, age 31, both of Jersey City, in connection with the investigation into a phone scam that was reported to the Sheriff’s Office, Wednesday, June 19. Watterson said the victims reported to sheriff’s deputies that they susp…
26 Charged In 'Hot Lunch' Drugs, Guns Takedown In Hudson Valley 26 Charged In 'Hot Lunch' Drugs, Guns Takedown In Hudson Valley
26 Charged In 'Hot Lunch' Drugs, Guns Takedown In Hudson Valley A food truck is at the center of a significant drug and gun takedown in the Hudson Valley that resulted in 26 arrests. The 26 were scooped up as part of a six-month-long investigation by numerous agencies throughout the Hudson Valley, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. In addition to the 26, Hoovler said two individuals are pending extradition from other states, and one is in ICE custody.  According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Kirkland Salmon was at the center of four different conspiracies to traffic narcotics and …
Hudson Valley Crack Dealer Busted By Drug Task Force, Police Say Hudson Valley Crack Dealer Busted By Drug Task Force, Police Say
Hudson Valley Crack Dealer Busted By Drug Task Force, Police Say A Hudson Valley alleged drug dealer is behind bars after being busted for crack cocaine sales by a drug task force. Dutchess County resident Ronald Davis, age 47, of the City of Poughkeepsie, was arrested on Wednesday, May 22, by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Drug Task Force agents began investigating Davis after receiving complaints from residents and government officials of open dealing in the area of Main Street between Hamilton and Clinton Streets.  Task Force agents began purchasing cocaine from…
Hudson Valley Drug Dealer Nabbed With Drugs, Gun For Second Time In 3 Weeks, Cops Say Hudson Valley Drug Dealer Nabbed With Drugs, Gun For Second Time In 3 Weeks, Cops Say
Hudson Valley Drug Dealer Nabbed With Drugs, Gun For Second Time In 3 Weeks, Cops Say An alleged drug dealer has been nabbed for the second time in three weeks by a drug task force in the region, police said. Dutchess County resident Jaylen Shaw, age 22, of the town of Poughkeepsie, was arrested on Friday, May 10, in Poughkeepsie by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the task force, a continued investigation into Shaw's activities led to his arrest following a search of his home where "dangerous" drugs, a gun, and ammo were seized. Shaw was first arrested by the task force on Thursday, April 18, after a search of …
Hudson Valley Man Busted With 'Large Quantity' Of Fentanyl, Police Say Hudson Valley Man Busted With 'Large Quantity' Of Fentanyl, Police Say
Hudson Valley Man Busted With 'Large Quantity' Of Fentanyl, Police Say A Hudson Valley alleged drug dealer has been charged with possession of a large quantity of fentanyl following an investigation. Dutchess County resident Shaquille Heirs, age 29, of Poughkeepsie, was arrested Thursday, April 25, after he was captured in the town of Poughkeepsie.  According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force, Heirs became a target after a raid on a South Clinton Street home in March.  During the raid, Harris said Heirs had a large quantity of fentanyl packaged to sell.  "This area of South Clinton …
Hudson Valley Man, 64, Charged With Selling Drugs/Pills Hudson Valley Man, 64, Charged With Selling Drugs/Pills
Hudson Valley Man, 64, Charged With Selling Drugs/Pills A Hudson Valley man was charged with allegedly selling drugs in the region following a five-month investigation. Orange County resident Thomas McDonnell, age 64, of Deerpark, was arrested on Thursday, April 18, by members of the Deerpark Police Department and the City of Port Jervis Police Department. His arrest comes after a five-month investigation into the sale of narcotics in Deerpark and the City of Port Jervis, said Deerpark Police Chief Richard Sztyndor. Following a search of his home, McDonnell was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controll…
Hudson Valley Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Prison Hudson Valley Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Prison
Hudson Valley Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Prison A 48-year-old Hudson Valley fentanyl dealer has been sentenced to prison following a guilty plea. Related: Accused Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Pleasant Valley Following Drug Task Force Investigation According to Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi, Dutchess County resident Bryan Whittle, of Pleasant Valley, was sentenced on Monday, April 1 to 12-and-half years in state prison and five years post-release supervision.  Whittle pleaded guilty to the charges against him in January. Whittle was arrested on Friday, April 14, 2023, following an investigation led by the Dut…
Drug Dealer From Northern Westchester Directed Multiple 'Vicious' Attacks: Here's His Sentence Drug Dealer From Northern Westchester Directed Multiple 'Vicious' Attacks: Here's His Sentence
Drug Dealer From Northern Westchester Directed Multiple 'Vicious' Attacks: Here's His Sentence A Hudson Valley marijuana dealer from Northern Westchester will spend nearly two decades in prison for directing multiple violent attacks, including a brutal beating that left a man naked and bloody in a pile of snow, officials announced.  Hawthorne resident Wayne Hicks, age 32, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for charges related to the attacks and drug trafficking, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Thursday, April 4.  According to federal officials, Hicks, a Rockland County marijuana dealer also known as "Weez," directed two separate …
NY Men 'Poisoned' Prominent Transgender Activist, 'Pose' Star Who OD'd: Feds NY Men 'Poisoned' Prominent Transgender Activist, 'Pose' Star Who OD'd: Feds
NY Men 'Poisoned' Prominent Transgender Activist, 'Pose' Star Who OD'd: Feds Two New York men are facing federal charges in the death of a prominent transgender activist, performer, and author. Long Island resident Antonio Venti, age 52, of West Babylon and Michael Kuilan, age 44, of Brooklyn, were arraigned on a four-count indictment in Brooklyn federal court on Monday, April 1. Prosecutors said Venti and Kuilan sold heroin laced with fentanyl to Cecilia Gentili. NYPD officers responded to the 52-year-old’s Brooklyn home on Feb. 6 following a 911 call from her partner. Gentili was found dead in her bedroom. An autopsy determined that she died from the combined eff…
Several Noncitizens Nabbed On Drug Trafficking, Possession Charges In Hudson Valley: Feds Several Noncitizens Nabbed On Drug Trafficking, Possession Charges In Hudson Valley: Feds
Several Noncitizens Nabbed On Drug Trafficking, Possession Charges In Hudson Valley: Feds Thirteen unlawfully present noncitizens caught in New York face drug trafficking and possession charges, including several who were apprehended in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island, officials said. The thirteen criminal noncitizens were apprehended following an effort by Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City Fugitive Operations officers conducted from Monday, March 11 to Tuesday, March 26, US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement announced on Friday, March 29.  The defendants all face charges related to the trafficking or possession of methamphetamines, fent…
Miami-Bound Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Hudson Valley, Cops Say Miami-Bound Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Hudson Valley, Cops Say
Miami-Bound Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Hudson Valley, Cops Say An alleged fentanyl dealer in the region who was headed to Miami, Florida was nabbed by drug task agents before he could leave. Dutchess County resident Jose J. Cruz, age 22, of Beacon, was arrested early Monday, March 25 in Hyde Park by members of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Task Force, Cruz had been under investigation for the sale of fentanyl and other drugs in Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, and the surrounding areas. During the investigation, Cruz made several drug transactions with Task Force agents. Harris said …
State Troopers In Hudson Valley Help Apprehend Major NYC Drug Dealer State Troopers In Hudson Valley Help Apprehend Major NYC Drug Dealer
State Troopers In Hudson Valley Help Apprehend Major NYC Drug Dealer A major drug trafficker was taken down with help from the New York State Police in the Hudson Valley. A warrant search aimed at apprehending the dealer, identified as Juan Rondon, age 60, of the Bronx, occurred on Wednesday, March 20 by the New York State Police Troop K Violent Gangs and Narcotic Enforcement Team and Unit K9 from Dutchess County, along with the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, said Trooper AJ Hicks. During the warrant search, more than 12 kilograms of cocaine and $3 million in cash were found hidden in t…
Fentanyl Dealing Duo Nabbed In Hudson Valley By Task Force, Police Say Fentanyl Dealing Duo Nabbed In Hudson Valley By Task Force, Police Say
Fentanyl Dealing Duo Nabbed In Hudson Valley By Task Force, Police Say Two fentanyl dealers were nabbed in the Hudson Valley in separate busts following an investigation into drug sales in the region. On Tuesday, Feb. 6, the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force arrested James Scott, age 35, of Poughkeepsie for the criminal sale of a controlled substance, said Sgt. Adam Harris, of the task force. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force had actively been investigating the sale of fentanyl in the City of Poughkeepsie, this investigation led to the arrest of Scott, Harris said.  Harris said in a second warrant arrest, the task force na…
Dealers Behind Fatal ODs Would Be Charged With Manslaughter Under NY Bill: 'This Is A Crisis' Dealers Behind Fatal ODs Would Be Charged With Manslaughter Under NY Bill: 'This Is A Crisis'
Dealers Behind Fatal ODs Would Be Charged With Manslaughter Under NY Bill: 'This Is A Crisis' Drug dealers in New York could soon face manslaughter charges for selling narcotics that result in fatal overdoses. State lawmakers are considering a bill that would make selling, delivering, or otherwise administering a controlled substance eligible for manslaughter charges if someone later dies from an overdose. Under current law, a person who provides an illicit drug that results in death can typically only be charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, a non-violent felony. Related Report: 'Gone Forever': Yonkers Mom Recounts Teen's Overdose On 'Red Table Talk' The bi…
Prominent Anti-Gun Director From Westchester Sentenced To Prison Prominent Anti-Gun Director From Westchester Sentenced To Prison
Prominent Anti-Gun Director From Westchester Sentenced To Prison A prominent Hudson Valley anti-gun leader has been sentenced to prison for drug trafficking in the region. Westchester County resident Michael Rodrigues, age 49, of Yonkers, was sentenced Thursday, Jan. 4, in Orange County Court to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He pled guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.  Rodriguez is the director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), which is a prominent anti-violence program that receives government mon…
Drug Dealer From Region Sentenced In Hudson Valley Overdose Death Drug Dealer From Region Sentenced In Hudson Valley Overdose Death
Drug Dealer From Region Sentenced In Hudson Valley Overdose Death A drug dealer from the region has been sentenced to prison in connection with the overdose death of a man he sold drugs to. Sullivan County resident Ralph Mann, age 37, of Barryville, was sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 4 in Orange County Court to four years in prison followed by two years of post-rekease supervision. Mann had pled guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance in connection with the death said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. Those charges were filed in connection with the death of a man who was found dead in the city of Port Jervis on Wednesday,…
Hudson Valley Dealer Nabbed With Kilo Of Fentanyl, AG Says Hudson Valley Dealer Nabbed With Kilo Of Fentanyl, AG Says
Hudson Valley Dealer Nabbed With Kilo Of Fentanyl, AG Says A New York man has been charged with allegedly selling drugs and guns in the Hudson Valley and region in a 94-count indictment. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday, Dec. 6, Rafael Figueroa, age unknown, of Manhattan was indicted for the sale of fentanyl, heroin, and firearms.  The investigation conducted by the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force seized more than 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl and over 75 grams of heroin worth $142,000, three loaded handguns, a loaded assault rifle, and three high-capacity ammunition feeding devices. “Drug an…
7 Hudson Valley Residents Charged With Selling Drugs In Region 7 Hudson Valley Residents Charged With Selling Drugs In Region
7 Hudson Valley Residents Charged With Selling Drugs In Region Seven Hudson Valley residents have been charged with allegedly selling drugs in cities and towns throughout the area. The residents were reportedly selling cocaine, fentanyl, and prescription pills in the Village of Spring Valley, the Town of Clarkstown, and the Town and Village of Haverstraw, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced on Thursday, Oct. 26. The investigation, known as “Operation Clean Streets,” led to the following arrests: Edwin Salazar Ramirez, age 23, of Spring Valley, was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled subs…
Anti-Gun Leader From Westchester Admits Supplying Cocaine To Hudson Valley Drug Ring: DA Anti-Gun Leader From Westchester Admits Supplying Cocaine To Hudson Valley Drug Ring: DA
Anti-Gun Leader From Westchester Admits Supplying Cocaine To Hudson Valley Drug Ring: DA The 49-year-old director of a prominent anti-gun violence program from Westchester has admitted to supplying cocaine to narcotics dealers in the Hudson Valley, officials announced.  Yonkers resident Michael Rodriguez, age 49, pleaded guilty to drug and conspiracy charges on Thursday, Oct. 12 in Orange County Court, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced.  Earlier Report: Anti-Gun Leader Busted As Alleged Kingpin Of Orange County Drug Network Rodriguez is the Director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), an anti-violence program…
Anti-Gun Leader Busted As Alleged Kingpin Of Hudson Valley Drug Network Anti-Gun Leader Busted As Alleged Kingpin Of Hudson Valley Drug Network
Anti-Gun Leader Busted As Alleged Kingpin Of Hudson Valley Drug Network A Hudson Valley leader against gun violence is one of 15 people busted for allegedly dealing drugs throughout the region. The busts, which took place in Orange County and also included the seizure of numerous guns and money, were announced on Tuesday, Aug. 1 by Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, and numerous law enforcement leaders. The busts were the result of a two-year-long narcotics investigation that utilized court-ordered eavesdropping. Seven search warrants were executed during the investigation which resulted in the seizure of over 1516 grams of cocaine cr…
2 Busted With 1,000 Grams Of Cocaine In Hudson Valley Stop, Police Say 2 Busted With 1,000 Grams Of Cocaine In Hudson Valley Stop, Police Say
2 Busted With 1,000 Grams Of Cocaine In Hudson Valley Stop, Police Say Two men were allegedly busted with more than a thousand grams of cocaine during a Hudson Valley traffic stop. On Tuesday, July 11, New York State Police along with K9 Kell, stopped a 2008 black Nissan Altima on Route 17 in Orange County in the town of Woodbury for violations.  The operator of the vehicle was identified as Jonathan J. Mateo, age 31 from Cayaga County in Moravia, and the front seat passenger was identified as Dylan J. Murdock, age 30 from Oswego County in Fulton.  While troopers were interviewing Mateo and Murdock, K9 Kell was alerted to drugs in the trunk. Upon op…
Fentanyl Bust: 900 Bags Of Drug Seized During Search Of Hudson Valley Home Fentanyl Bust: 900 Bags Of Drug Seized During Search Of Hudson Valley Home
Fentanyl Bust: 900 Bags Of Drug Seized During Search Of Hudson Valley Home Some 900 bags of fentanyl were seized during a warrant search of a Hudson Valley home following a four-month investigation.  The incident took place in Orange County in the town of Middletown on Wednesday, June 7, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler and Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta. As alleged in charging documents filed and comments made in court, on Wednesday, police officers executed a search warrant at a home in Middletown.  During the search, police recovered approximately 900 bags of fentanyl worth $13,500, various amounts of oxycodone, al…
Drug Bust: 4 Charged With Trafficking Cocaine, Meth In Hudson Valley Drug Bust: 4 Charged With Trafficking Cocaine, Meth In Hudson Valley
Drug Bust: 4 Charged With Trafficking Cocaine, Meth In Hudson Valley Three men and one woman from the Hudson Valley face numerous charges related to the sale and possession of cocaine and methamphetamine after their residences were searched. The four defendants were charged with trafficking the narcotics in the Orange County town of Warwick and the village of Greenwood Lake, as well as surrounding areas, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Friday, May 26.  The arrests stemmed from a five-month investigation during which undercover investigators would purchase large quantities of narcotics from individuals in Warwick and Gr…
Drug Bust: Hudson Valley Man Nabbed With Cocaine, Guns, Police Say Drug Bust: Hudson Valley Man Nabbed With Cocaine, Guns, Police Say
Drug Bust: Hudson Valley Man Nabbed With Cocaine, Guns, Police Say A Hudson Valley man was busted with alleged cocaine and guns following an investigation of drug sales in the region. Orange County resident Josias Rivera, age 30, of Monroe, was arrested on Thursday, May 11, at a home in Monroe. As alleged in charging documents filed in court, on police officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Monroe. During the execution of the search warrant, the police recovered approximately 46 grams of cocaine, 7.5 grams of MDMA, a loaded ghost gun, a shotgun, ammunition, and a large quantity of cash, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. Th…
Hudson Valley Drug Dealer Nabbed With Heroin, Crack, Police Say Hudson Valley Drug Dealer Nabbed With Heroin, Crack, Police Say
Hudson Valley Drug Dealer Nabbed With Heroin, Crack, Police Say A Hudson Valley alleged drug dealer was nabbed with heroin and crack during an early morning no-knock warrant search. The incident took place in Orange County around 5:30 a.m., Friday, March 24 at 147 Prospect Ave., in the city of Middletown. The target of the warrant, Kenneth L. Middleton, age 25, of the city of Middletown, was the subject of a months-long investigation into the sale and trafficking of illegal narcotics, specifically heroin, in and around the city of Middletown, Lt. Jeffrey Thoelen said, of the Middletown Police. During the execution of the search warrant, offic…
Trio Trafficked Ghost Guns, Cocaine In Westchester, Multiple States, Officials Say Trio Trafficked Ghost Guns, Cocaine In Westchester, Multiple States, Officials Say
Trio Trafficked Ghost Guns, Cocaine In Westchester, Multiple States, Officials Say Three men face numerous charges after allegedly trafficking ghost guns, assault weapons, and large quantities of cocaine from Massachusetts to New York, officials said.  The trafficking operation was taken down on Wednesday, March 15 after a 16-month investigation by the New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced.  The three men charged after the take-down were Eduardo Hernandez, age 29, of Jamaica, New York; Euclides Castillo, age 30,…