In the regions of Buffalo and Jamestown, a highly sophisticated drug trafficking racket has been successfully interrupted, declared New York’s Attorney General Letitia James. The operation to bust this drug ring saw the collaboration of several law enforcement agencies, including the Organized Crime Task Force from the Office of the Attorney General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Niagara Falls Police Department.
In a major victory in the ongoing war against illicit drug sales, the authorities managed to seize significant quantities of narcotics. Included in the haul were almost a kilogram of cocaine with an estimated street value of $30,000. Furthermore, over half a pound of methamphetamine worth approximately $1,500 and an ounce of the deadly drug fentanyl valued at $1,600 were confiscated.
In addition to the drugs, the authorities also took possession of more than $4,000 in cash, which is believed to have been earned through the drug trafficking operation. This total haul underlines the magnitude of this criminal operation and the extent of its reach into the local communities of Western New York.
The dismantling of this operation led to pressing charges against seven individuals. These individuals were implicated in a startling 130 crimes associated with their versatile roles within this drug trafficking ring. The accusations levied towards them constitute a variety of serious charges ranging from criminal sale and illicit possession of controlled substances, to taking part in a high-level conspiracy in the second degree.
Among those facing charges are four residents from Buffalo, New York: Dion Anderson, Ronnie Dupree, Antwain Jackson, and David Vaughn, aged 44, 47, 48, and 26 respectively. Joining them are 30-year-old Devan Huntington and 50-year-old Sabrina Leeper, both residents of Jamestown, New York, and 50-year-old Kenneth Pringle hailing from Niagara Falls, New York.
All seven individuals are now being held to account for their alleged roles in distributing a range of potent narcotics, including fentanyl, across the communities of Western New York. Ronnie Dupree is at the heart of the accusation, being purportedly the main orchestrator of the operation.
As per allegations, Dupree procured substantial quantities of narcotics including cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from Anderson, Pringle, Jackson, among others involved in the operation. It is alleged that Dupree and Jackson functioned as traveling salesmen for their operation, journeying from Buffalo to Jamestown to fulfill orders.
Accusations extend to Dion Anderson who supposedly managed a cocaine depot from his own residence in Buffalo. Anderson is alleged to have provided supplies of this enervating drug to David Vaughn and others associated with the illicit enterprise.
In an operation unfolding in November 2024, authorities reportedly discovered more than half a pound of cocaine, a scale tainted with cocaine remnants, and over $4,000 in cash during the execution of a search warrant at Anderson’s residence. This indicates Anderson’s significant involvement in the drug peddling racket.
Allegedly, other syndicate members such as Devan Huntington and Sabrina Leeper also received varying types of narcotics from Jackson for dissemination. This emphasizes the interconnectedness and widespread nature of this network spanning across multiple regions.
If found guilty of the most severe counts, the convicts might face significant jail terms. Kennith Pringle could potentially serve a maximum of 30 years, while Ronnie Dupree could see a maximum sentence of 24 years. Dion Anderson could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years, and Antwain Jackson, Devan Huntington, Sabrina Leeper, and David Vaughn could each face a maximum of 10 years behind bars.
These seven individuals stand accused of incessantly saturating upstate neighborhoods with various illegal and synthetic narcotics. Their operation has been identified and targeted as part of a more prominent law enforcement mission focused on dismantling drug trafficking syndicates that harm local communities.
The successful takedown of this operation is a significant statement of intent from the law enforcement agencies. It serves as a stark reminder and a stern warning to other such organizations that their criminal activities will not go unnoticed or unpunished in these communities.