ICE HSI investigation leads to 34 arrests for narcotics, firearms offenses
NEW YORK — Thirty four individuals were arrested Tuesday on various narcotics and firearms charges in Sullivan County, New York. This event stems from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, several state and local police departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Several of those arrested were members of the Bloods and Crips gangs. The defendants allegedly made numerous narcotics purchases, including heroin and cocaine, and weapon purchases during the course of the investigation. Some of the defendants face charges for narcotics conspiracy as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Both of these charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
“Today’s arrests help make the neighborhoods of Sullivan County a much safer place for its residents by taking violent drug dealers and other criminals off its streets,” said Raymond R. Parmer, special agent in charge HSI New York. “HSI will continue working with our law enforcement partners using every tool at our disposal to dismantle ruthless criminal organizations such as these.”
“With the coordinated narcotics and firearms charges brought today, we seek to neutralize at least four different drug rings that allegedly have been selling massive amounts of heroin and crack cocaine for years,” said Preet Bharara, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. “The devastating impact that this type of drug dealing can have on the small, rural communities like those in Sullivan County cannot be overstated. Heroin is back, with a vengeance, but so are we. The law enforcement effort today is the product of remarkable cooperation among federal, state and local agencies and I thank all of our partners.”
“Today’s charges describe alleged conspiracies to distribute crack and heroin in and around Monticello and other locations in Sullivan County. Infecting our neighborhoods with drugs peddled by criminals who arm their sales force with guns is a violent and dangerous combination,” said Diego Rodrigues, assistant director in charge for the FBI New York. “We’re here today to let the good people of Sullivan County know their streets are safer, their families are safer, and we’re one step closer to eliminating the drugs and violence that threaten the future and stability of their community.”
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