New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the convictions of 25 individuals involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation distributing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine across 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 over $350,000 worth of narcotics, firearms, and ammunition, leading to the dismantling of a network operating in Albany, Dutchess, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.
The extensive investigation, which concluded last year, led to the indictment of these individuals in November. The operation also seized four handguns, high-capacity magazines, and approximately $50,000 in cash. The first sentencing was issued yesterday, with one defendant, Elvis Colon, facing a 12 ½ to 15-year prison term on charges related to heroin and fentanyl trafficking.
“We are committed to ending the opioid crisis in our state, and that means addressing this problem from every angle,” said Attorney General James, highlighting the ring’s impact on communities and the need to prevent fentanyl from reaching the public. “This drug trafficking ring ran a widespread network to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of narcotics, and now they are being brought to justice.”
Key figures in regional trafficking network face sentencing
Among those convicted were Alexander Torres and Yamillet Galarza, identified as key players who coordinated the procurement and distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout the Capital Region. Torres had multiple suppliers and branded his narcotics with custom packaging to distinguish his products. Efrain Acevedo, another principal in the operation, allegedly used his restaurant in Troy as a front to distribute cocaine and stash proceeds.
As the investigation progressed, OCTF, with assistance from 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 operation’s broad reach reflects the collaborative effort to curb the spread of narcotics across the region.
Sentences range for all 25 convicted defendants
Alongside Colon, who was convicted by a jury earlier this month, multiple defendants now face prison time under state sentencing guidelines:
- Efrain Acevedo pleaded guilty to a second-degree charge of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, a class A-II felony, with a potential 14-year sentence.
- Javier Colon was convicted of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and first-degree drug sales, with a maximum potential sentence of 20 years.
- Alexander Torres and Abner Velasquez both face 10 years, convicted of second-degree possession and sales, respectively.
- Additional sentences range from two to 15 years, with defendants facing various degrees of drug-related charges, including sales and possession, based on their involvement in the operation.
Other defendants include individuals such as Erick and Raul Baez, Jose Cintron, Mercedes Danahy, and Jack Frazier, all convicted on charges varying in severity, primarily related to controlled substance possession and distribution. The convictions mark a significant development in the state’s efforts to reduce drug trafficking, with sentences set to deter similar operations in the future.
Investigation and prosecution led by OCTF
The case’s investigation was directed by OCTF, with assistance from several law enforcement divisions, including 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, under Deputy Attorney General Nicole Keary and Chief Deputy Jose Maldonado, worked alongside legal support analysts and investigators to see the case through the extensive judicial process.
Attorney General James expressed appreciation to the law enforcement partners who contributed to the operation, crediting their efforts with the successful conclusion of a complex, months-long investigation.
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