Prosecutors in New York have announced that a multi-agency investigation into drug sales in the Montauk area of Suffolk County has led to 16 suspects being taken into custody. The announcement was made during an Aug. 17 press conference held by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. The individuals taken into custody are said to have distributed drugs that they received through the mail in a number of popular area bars and restaurants.
The investigation, which got underway in March 2018, allegedly uncovered evidence that large amounts of oxycodone, cocaine and other narcotics were being sold to Suffolk County residents and tourists at a number of Montauk area bars, night clubs and restaurants. Several of the individuals taken into custody are said to have been seasonal workers at these establishments who sold drugs both at their places of work and from their rented apartments. Investigators allege that the group dominated the local drug trade to such an extent that they were able to significantly increase their prices.
Prosecutors say that the drug ring was kept supplied by drug shipments that arrived by mail from addresses both within and outside the United States. Two key pieces of evidence in the case are packages seized by U.S. Postal Service investigators. The packages are said to have contained a shipment of approximately 100 alprazolam and oxycodone pills sent by drug traffickers to the group and $17,460 sent back by the group as payment. Investigators also say that they recovered 650 grams of cocaine, about $100,000 in cash and undisclosed quantities of marijuana and prescription pills during the Aug. 15 searches of five locations.
Experienced criminal defense attorneys may urge their clients to consider cooperating with the authorities when presented with facts like this in cases involving serious drug crimes. Prosecutors might make their most generous plea offers to the first suspects to step forward and cooperate.
Source: Long Island, DA Sini, DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service & DA’s East End Drug Task Force Announce Takedown Of Alleged Montauk Drug Distribution Ring, Press release, Aug. 17, 2018
