Riverhead, NY – Authorities have charged six individuals in a major drug trafficking operation that stretched from the Bronx to Suffolk County, uncovering enough fentanyl to kill every resident of the county, according to prosecutors. The bust, which also yielded firearms, ammunition, and other narcotics, is being described as one of the largest fentanyl seizures in Long Island history.
The Incident: Massive Multi-Agency Operation Across New York
ftieThe arrests followed a months-long investigation led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force, in partnership with the DEA, NYPD, and other local law enforcement agencies.
On October 30, law enforcement executed search warrants at homes and vehicles in West Islip, Bay Shore, Wyandanch, Lindenhurst, and the Bronx — all believed to be connected to the narcotics trafficking network.
During the coordinated raids, investigators seized cocaine, heroin, pressed pills, and a large quantity of fentanyl. According to District Attorney Ray Tierney, the amount of fentanyl recovered was enough to kill approximately 1.5 million people — roughly the entire population of Suffolk County.
“The defendants in this case allegedly ran a prolific drug distribution operation that flooded our neighborhoods with deadly fentanyl, heroin and cocaine,” Tierney said. “Every kilogram of fentanyl represents 500,000 potential overdose deaths. There was more than enough fentanyl here to kill every man, woman and child in Suffolk County.”
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Officials said the investigation began several months ago after intelligence gathered by the East End Drug Task Force suggested a coordinated effort to traffic large volumes of narcotics from the Bronx to Long Island.
The task force used surveillance, wiretaps, and informant leads to track the suspects’ movements and identify stash houses and vehicles used to transport drugs.
Alongside the narcotics, police recovered a cache of weapons, including:
- Three pistols
- A shotgun and a rifle
- Seven illegal high-capacity magazines, including three drum-style magazines capable of holding 50 rounds each
- Hundreds of rounds of ammunition
Investigators say the suspects were heavily armed and maintained multiple safe houses to conceal their drug trafficking activity.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
The six defendants were identified as:
- John Collado, 26, of West Islip
- Anthony Dominguez, 33, of Bay Shore
- Michael Torres, 26, of Wyandanch
- David Priest, 35, of Ronkonkoma
- Luiggi Peralta, 31, of the Bronx
Each was arraigned before District Court Judge Evan Tanenbaum on October 31 on multiple charges related to drug trafficking and weapons possession. Court records show they face felony counts of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and illegal possession of firearms.
District Attorney Tierney emphasized that these arrests are part of a larger ongoing crackdown on fentanyl distribution in Long Island communities.
“Fentanyl is the most dangerous drug on our streets today,” Tierney said. “This case is a stark reminder that a few grams can mean hundreds of deaths — and we seized kilograms.”
Community Impact and Law Enforcement Response
Authorities say this takedown is a significant step in combating the deadly opioid crisis plaguing Suffolk County and the surrounding region. The DEA and local police departments have reported a sharp rise in fentanyl-related overdoses, which now account for the majority of fatal drug incidents in the area.
Officials stressed that fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, and even trace amounts can cause a fatal overdose. The substance is often mixed with other drugs such as cocaine and pressed pills, making it extremely difficult for users to detect.
“Every overdose is someone’s child, parent, or friend,” said Tierney. “We’re sending a clear message — Suffolk County will not tolerate those who profit from poisoning our communities.”
Background and Legal Context
The East End Drug Task Force, which coordinated the operation, is a multi-agency coalition formed by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office to target large-scale drug operations. The task force frequently collaborates with federal partners, including the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and local precincts, to dismantle trafficking networks that move narcotics from New York City into Long Island.
Officials say the task force’s success in this case demonstrates the importance of interagency cooperation and the need for continued investment in anti-narcotics enforcement.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The investigation remains active, with prosecutors working to trace the distribution routes and suppliers connected to the seized narcotics. Authorities are also analyzing digital evidence and communication records to determine whether the suspects were linked to larger regional or international drug networks.
Each defendant is being held without bail pending trial, and additional charges may be filed as new evidence emerges.
Officials have also launched public awareness campaigns emphasizing fentanyl education and overdose prevention, including the distribution of Narcan kits throughout Suffolk County.
Conclusion
The massive drug bust underscores the growing threat of fentanyl trafficking in New York and its devastating impact on communities. With enough fentanyl seized to kill 1.5 million people, law enforcement officials say this operation is a critical victory in the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic.
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