Suffolk County, NY – Six men have been charged with major narcotics and weapons offenses following a months-long investigation that uncovered a large-scale drug distribution network responsible for flooding Suffolk County with fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, according to District Attorney Ray Tierney. Officials say the seized fentanyl alone was enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the county.
The Investigation: Multi-Agency Operation Uncovers Drug Network
The East End Drug Task Force, in coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the NYPD, and the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for New York City, conducted an intensive investigation between April and October 2025.
Authorities said the investigation targeted a network that was allegedly run by John Collado, 26, of West Islip; Anthony Dominguez, 33, of Bay Shore; Yergenis Paulino, 25, of West Babylon; Michael Torres, 26, of Wyandanch; Luiggi Peralta, 31, of the Bronx; and David Priest, 35, of Ronkonkoma.
During the operation, police executed court-authorized search warrants on October 30 at multiple locations, including homes and vehicles in West Islip, Bay Shore, Wyandanch, Lindenhurst, and the Bronx.
“Every kilogram of fentanyl represents 500,000 potential overdose deaths,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney. “There was more than enough fentanyl here to kill every man, woman, and child in Suffolk County.”
Evidence and Seizures: “More Than 14 Kilograms of Drugs and Multiple Weapons”
Authorities reported the recovery of more than 14 kilograms of controlled substances, including 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl and approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills designed to resemble oxycodone “M-30” tablets.
The total street value of the seized narcotics was estimated to exceed $245,000.
Undercover officers reportedly conducted 13 separate drug purchases during the six-month investigation, obtaining 7,441 fentanyl pills and 2.8 kilograms of cocaine.
Law enforcement recovered the following items during the October 30 search warrants:
- 5 kilograms of heroin
- 4 kilograms of fentanyl
- 1.8 kilograms of cocaine
- 2,000 fentanyl-based pills
- Five firearms, including 9mm handguns, a .22 caliber rifle, and a 20-gauge shotgun
- Seven high-capacity magazines, including three 50-round “drum” magazines
- More than $10,000 in cash and a money counter
Investigators said that Michael Torres was found asleep with a loaded 9mm handgun beside him during the raid at his Wyandanch home. Police also discovered large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine on the premises.
Meanwhile, Dominguez’s home in Bay Shore contained seven high-capacity magazines and a loaded firearm in his vehicle, while Collado’s home in West Islip contained cocaine, heroin, and an operable handgun.
The Defendants and Criminal Charges
The six suspects were arraigned on October 31 before District Court Judge Evan Tanenbaum. They face an extensive list of felony narcotics and weapons charges, including:
- First-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance (Class A-I felony)
- First-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (Class A-I felony)
- Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon (Class C violent felony)
- Second-degree conspiracy (Class B felony)
John Collado, identified as the alleged ringleader, faces more than 40 separate charges, including multiple Class A felonies. He was ordered held on $1.25 million cash bail, $2.5 million bond, or $10 million partially secured bond.
Anthony Dominguez faces similar charges and was held on $1 million bail. Both men could face 20 to 25 years to life if convicted on the top counts.
Yergenis Paulino, Michael Torres, and Luiggi Peralta were each held on $750,000 cash bail and face potential sentences of up to 20 years to life.
David Priest was remanded without bail and faces up to 30 years to life if convicted. His attorney, Scott Zerner, stated that Priest “maintains his innocence” and is reviewing the discovery.
Statements from Law Enforcement
District Attorney Ray Tierney praised the success of the joint operation, calling it one of the largest fentanyl seizures in Suffolk County history.
“The defendants in this case allegedly ran a prolific drug distribution operation that flooded our neighborhoods with deadly fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine,” Tierney said.
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr. emphasized the role of teamwork among law enforcement agencies:
“This case highlights the strength of our partnerships. The East End Drug Task Force worked tirelessly to bring down this network responsible for distributing dangerous drugs in our communities.”
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina also commended the coordinated effort:
“This investigation exposed a narcotics network stretching from the Bronx to Suffolk County. Deadly substances like fentanyl continue to threaten our neighborhoods, but today’s results prove that collaboration saves lives.”
Background Context: The Growing Fentanyl Crisis
According to federal data, fentanyl is now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S., responsible for over 70,000 fatalities in 2024. Suffolk County, like much of New York, has seen a surge in fentanyl-related deaths over the past three years.
Officials said this operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of local and federal agencies to disrupt trafficking networks and save lives from the synthetic opioid epidemic.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
All six defendants are due back in court in mid-November, with hearings scheduled between November 17 and December 16, 2025. Prosecutors have indicated that further indictments may follow as evidence is reviewed.
If convicted, several of the men could face decades behind bars, marking a major victory in Suffolk County’s ongoing effort to combat fentanyl trafficking.
Conclusion
The seizure of enough fentanyl to kill the county’s entire population underscores the deadly scale of the drug crisis sweeping across Long Island and New York. Law enforcement leaders say their message is clear: those responsible for trafficking deadly narcotics will face maximum penalties.
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