NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Niagara Falls Police and several other agencies made multiple arrests as part of an ongoing investigation of an alleged crack and fentanyl distribution organization.
The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration issued a press release that said ten members of a drug trafficking organization were taken into custody on December 20. They are accused of distributing both crack and fentanyl.
The year-long investigation of illegal drug activity focused on alleged criminal activity in the 19th Street and Ashland Avenue areas of Niagara Falls.
Investigators from several local, state, and federal police law enforcement agencies are still looking for five individuals on outstanding arrest warrants.
According to the press release, investigators recovered several rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. They also seized a small amount of crack cocaine when they arrested eight people from the alleged drug distribution group.
Two other defendants were arrested earlier this week.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino stated: “These arrests are part of DEA’s Operation Overdrive to address crime and violence stemming from drug trafficking networks nationwide. DEA and our law enforcement partners are laser-focused on making our communities safer and healthier. I commend the men and women from all the agencies involved in this investigation for their hard work.”
Agencies taking part in the investigation and arrests include
- The Niagara Falls Police Department
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Buffalo District Office
- NY State Police
- Niagara County Sheriff's
- Border Patrol
- Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
