On July 18, a 40-year-old New York man who was thought to be an important figure in a major heroin trafficking network was taken into custody. He was reportedly detained about two months after he was charged with 217 drug-related counts.
According to the New York State Attorney General’s Office, the man played a key role in a heroin drug trafficking network that dismantled in early May. During the execution of search warrants, authorities seized over 1 kilogram of heroin as well as cocaine, firearms and narcotics-related paraphernalia. Ultimately, 31 people were detained and charged with various felony drug offenses, including criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
State prosecutors accused the 40-year-old man of buying heroin in New York City. They also alleged that the man maintained multiple residents for the purpose of trafficking heroin. These homes were allegedly located in the Bronx and in the Cayuga Heights neighborhood of Ithaca. The 25-year-old mother of the man’s children was also accused of being involved in the heroin trafficking ring.
Possession and trafficking are considered to be serious drug crimes in the state of New York. Depending on the amount and type of drugs involved, a person could face years in prison and a criminal record that could prevent him or her from seeking employment once releases. An attorney could mount an aggressive defense strategy against the prosecution. By utilizing certain cross-examination techniques and challenging the evidence against the accused person, the attorney may prevent the prosecution from proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, the charges could even be thrown out if a search and seizure violated the person’s rights.
Source: Press Connects, “Heroin suspect caught 2 months after large-scale drug takedown“, Anthony Borrelli, July 19, 2017
