Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The New York Attorney General's office has announced the indictments of 14 people in connection with an cocaine and fentanyl trafficking ring. The 14 are accused of trafficking more than $250,000 worth of cocaine and thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as Oxycodone throughout Erie and Niagara counties.
Attorney General Letitia James says the investigation ultimately led to the seizure of approximately 1,440 counterfeit prescription "M-30" fentanyl pills, nearly one kilogram of cocaine, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and more than $4,000 in cash.
James says the investigation, dubbed "Operation Big Eight Narco" due to the frequent trafficking of cocaine in 1/8 kilogram amounts, included physical and court-authorized wiretapping of cellular telephones where wiretaps also captured numerous conversations between the ringleaders who frequently utilized coded and cryptic terminology in an attempt to disguise their illicit activities, such as referring to cocaine as "big eight", "girl," or "chicken," and narcotics proceeds as "ticket", "bread," or "bones."
This indictment charges the 14 individuals with various crimes related to their involvement in the narcotics trafficking operation, including Operating as a Major Trafficker and various counts of Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A and B felonies), as well as Conspiracy in the Second Degree (a class B felony).
"Keeping our streets and communities safe from dangerous drugs and violence is a top priority," said Attorney General James. "Any drug operation that floods our streets with cocaine and fentanyl puts our residents at risk, but this operation was particularly dangerous because they disguised these lethal drugs as prescription pills. This takedown is part of our ongoing efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe and go after those who put New Yorkers in harm's way. I thank our partners in law enforcement for their critical support and collaboration."
As alleged in the indictment, the central figure in the trafficking network, Charles Sims, purchased large quantities of cocaine from Musa Ramadan, Tevin Jeter, Eric Richmond, and others. Sims then allegedly supplied large quantities of cocaine for resale to Michael McPhee, Devon Jones (a/k/a "Dutch"), Gregory Miller, and others. Miller, who is now deceased, obtained large quantities of counterfeit prescription "M-30" fentanyl pills from Michael Clark Jr., who then supplied the pills for resale to Anthony Fugate and others. Tajine Benning, a customer of Sims, was the subject of a traffic stop that led to the recovery of a loaded .45 caliber pistol. Sims is charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
"DEA investigates criminal networks, worldwide and locally, who are responsible for fueling drug poisonings and violent crime," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. "This particular investigation highlights how drug traffickers use social media and violence to further their illegal business, leaving damaged communities in their wake. I commend the DEA Buffalo District Office-Tactical Diversion Squad, New York State Police, and the New York State Attorney General's Office for their diligent work throughout this investigation."
"I want to thank the Attorney General's Office and our law enforcement partners for their vigilant hard work that has resulted in the indictment of these 14 dangerous individuals," said NYSP Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli. "The sale of these highly addictive drugs perpetuates a cycle of substance abuse which poses a significant threat to safety and quality of life within our neighborhoods. Yesterday's events send a strong message to dealers that we will not tolerate illegal drugs and weapons being brought into or sold in our communities."
