FBI Announces Arrests Involving an Illegal Narcotics Trafficking Organization

Today, Cory B. Nelson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Buffalo Field Office, announces the execution of 22 federal arrest warrants in connection with an illegal narcotics trafficking organization. The following individuals are in custody:

In addition, agents and officers executed 15 federal search warrants at the following locations:

The individuals arrested this morning will be arraigned today before Hugh B. Scott , United States Magistrate Judge, Western District of New York, on violations of Title 21 United States Code (USC) 841 (distribution of a controlled substance), Title 21 USC 843(b) (use of a communication facility in furtherance of a controlled substance felony), 21 USC 846 (conspiracy and attempt to commit a controlled substance felony), 21 USC 848 (continuing criminal enterprise), 21 USC 856 (maintaining a drug involved premises), 18 USC 1952 (use of a facility in interstate commerce in aid of a racketeering enterprise), 18 USC 1956 (laundering of monetary instruments) and/or 18 USC 1957 (monetary transactions involving property derived from specified unlawful activity).

As evidenced by the locations of the search warrants, this was a wide ranging drug trafficking operation that reached across Erie and Niagara County borders into neighboring communities. During today's searches, law enforcement officers seized 14 weapons, illegal drugs including cocaine and marijuana, $15,000 in cash, and approximately 10 vehicles.

Today's events were the culmination of a long term investigation. In late 2007, the FBI initiated a joint investigation based on intelligence received by multiple state and federal law enforcement agencies, and  confidential sources. The information developed indicated that a large scale drug distribution ring was trafficking cocaine, marijuana, and other controlled substances, such as Lortab and Hydrocodone. Based on the investigation, it is believed that some of the individuals arrested today also committed acts of violence including arson, kidnapping, and assault.

This matter will be prosecuted under the direction of Kathleen Mehltretter, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of New York.

It should be noted that the fact that an individual has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation; the individual is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This investigation continues.

The following agencies participated in this investigation:

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
New York State Police
Allegany State Park Police
Erie County Sheriff's Office
Town of Tonawanda Police Department
Niagara Falls Police Department Drug/Intelligence Unit
Grand Island Police Department

Niagara County Sheriff's Drug Task Force, comprised of:
Niagara County Sheriff's Office
Lockport Police Department
United States Border Patrol
North Tonawanda Police Department

FBI - Safe Streets Task Force, comprised of:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
Buffalo, New York, Police Department
Erie County Probation Department
New York State Police
New York State Parole
Amherst Police Department
Buffalo Police Department
Cheektowaga Police Department