Operation Central City Nets 65 Drug Arrests

New York Attorney General Letitia James is announcing the indictment of 65 individuals, charged with conspiring in two major drug distribution networks that transported heroin, fentanyl and cocaine to several upstate counties, including Oneida County.

According to two indictments unsealed in Onondaga County Court today, the investigation led to the recovery of about 47-hundred bags of heroin and fentanyl, which had all been pre-packaged for distribution.

The street value of the drugs is estimated at nearly $140,000.  About 2 kilos of cocaine with a street value of more than $200,000 was also seized.

"These two drug rings were allegedly responsible for trafficking significant amounts of illicit drugs across Central and Upstate New York," said James. "In order to combat the opioid epidemic that is claiming far too many lives, we will continue to go after those responsible for pumping these dangerous drugs into our communities. Let this serve as a loud and clear message: drug trafficking will not be tolerated in New York State."

The multi-agency investigation was code-named “Operation Central City" and brought together the resources of nearly two dozen state, local and federal enforcement agencies

The law enforcement agencies conducted a 15-month investigation that included undercover surveillance and hundreds of hours of wiretaps.

The Utica Police Department, the Oneida County Drug Task Force and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the investigation.