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Two dozen convicted drug traffickers face jail time for major fentanyl and cocaine busts

Posted on by Pranco
Two dozen convicted drug traffickers face jail time for major fentanyl and cocaine busts

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the convictions of 24 individuals involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that distributed heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in several counties in the state’s Capital Region. The investigation, led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and local law enforcement, seized more than $350,000 worth of narcotics, firearms and ammunition, leading to the dismantling of a network that actively was in Albany, Dutchess, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties.

The extensive investigation, which was completed last year, led to the indictment of these individuals in November. Four handguns, high-capacity magazines and approximately $50,000 in cash were also seized in the operation. The first conviction was handed down yesterday, with one defendant, Elvis Colon, facing 7.5 to 15 years in prison on charges of heroin and fentanyl trafficking.

“We are committed to ending the opioid crisis in our state, and that means tackling this problem from every angle,” Attorney General James said, highlighting the ring’s impact on communities and the need to prevent that fentanyl reaches the public. “This drug trafficking network had a widespread network to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of narcotics, and now they are being brought to justice.”

Key figures of the regional human trafficking network risk punishment

Among those convicted were Alexander Torres and Yamillet Galarza, identified as key players who coordinated the purchase and distribution of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in the Capital Region. Torres had multiple suppliers and provided his narcotics with custom packaging to differentiate his products. Efrain Acevedo, another director of the operation, allegedly used his restaurant in Troy as a front to distribute cocaine and proceeds from the stash.

As the investigation continued, OCTF, with assistance from the New York State Police, the City of Troy Police Department, and other agencies, conducted extensive surveillance and wiretaps on dozens of target phones to build evidence. The broad reach of the operation reflects the joint effort to combat the spread of narcotics in the region.

The sentences vary for all 24 convicted suspects

In addition to Colon, who was convicted by a jury earlier this month, several defendants now face prison time under state guidelines:

  • Javier Colon was convicted of second-degree conspiracy and first-degree drug sales, with a maximum sentence of 20 years.
  • Alexander Torres And Abner Velasquez both face 10 years in prison for second-degree possession and sale, respectively.
  • Additional sentences range from two to 15 years, with the suspects facing drug-related charges, including sale and possession, based on their involvement in the operation.

Other defendants include Erick and Raul Baez, Jose Cintron, Mercedes Danahy and Jack Frazier, all convicted on charges ranging in severity, primarily related to the possession and distribution of controlled substances. The convictions mark a major development in the state’s efforts to curb drug trafficking, with penalties imposed to deter similar operations in the future.

Investigation and prosecution led by OCTF

The investigation of the case was led by OCTF, with assistance from several law enforcement departments, including the New York State Police and local sheriff’s offices, as well as the U.S. Army National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. OCTF’s legal team, led by Deputy Attorney General Nicole Keary and Deputy Chief Jose Maldonado, worked with legal support analysts and investigators to guide the case through the extensive judicial process.

Attorney General James expressed his appreciation to the law enforcement partners who contributed to the operation and credited their efforts with the successful conclusion of a complex, months-long investigation.