A major drug ring in the Hudson Valley has been busted, with state officials breaking up a network of dealers in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Westchester counties.
The 12-month joint investigation, led by the Office of the Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force and the New York State Police's Special Investigations Unit – Hudson Valley and Troop K – Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, resulted in the seizure of tens of thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills, cocaine, and guns.
Seven people have been arrested and charged with various crimes, including conspiracy and trafficking cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. The seized items include over 10,500 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, worth approximately $75,000, over eight kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $200,000, three firearms, including a ghost gun, and $14,000 in cash.
The individuals arrested are Shamique Delaine, Jonte Hatcher, Romell Hearn, Nicole Kane, Daquan Killian, Dwan Scafe, and Damian Cunningham.
The investigation involved controlled narcotics and firearm purchase operations, physical and covert surveillance, court-authorized wiretapping, and analysis of electronic evidence.