Investigators: Selden man faces drug trafficking charges that caused fatal overdose, possessing enough fentanyl to kill 2.2 million people
On Feb. 17, police responded to a double overdose in East Patchogue involving two young brothers. Investigators say one of the brothers died. Their names have not been released.
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Investigators say a Selden man is accused of selling drugs that caused a fatal overdose and possessing enough fentanyl to kill 2.2 million people.
"We want everybody to be on notice who is selling this poison in our communities that we're going to come after you with everything we have," says Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.
On Feb. 17, police responded to a double overdose in East Patchogue involving two young brothers.
Investigators say one of the brothers died. Their names have not been released.
Officers at the scene found vials containing cocaine residue and fentanyl, along with two cellphones.
Police say the phones showed the drugs had been supplied by someone identified only as “Yash.”
"Yash then allegedly sold cocaine to the undercover officers and from that encounter, detectives were able to identity Yash as the defendant in this case, Phillip Gonzalez," says Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney.
Detectives quickly launched an undercover operation and contacted “Yash,” posing as buyers. They say he sold them cocaine on two separate occasions.
Investigators identified the alleged dealer as 42-year-old Philip Gonzalez, of Selden.
Police obtained a warrant for Gonzalez’s apartment and vehicles. They say they found multiple types of drugs, including ketamine, MDMA and pink cocaine. Officials say the total street value of the seized narcotics was estimated at more than $360,000.
Gonzalez is now charged with multiple offenses, including operating as a major drug trafficker.
Investigators also found two firearms, one with an illegal extended magazine.
If convicted, he could face 15 years to life in prison.
Investigators also say he is currently on federal parole.
Gonzalez is expected to be arraigned on Monday.
