Suffolk County, NY – Six men are facing major narcotics and weapons charges after investigators seized massive quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and illegal firearms in a multi-agency drug bust that officials say contained enough fentanyl to kill the entire population of Suffolk County. Authorities announced the arrests following a coordinated raid across multiple towns and boroughs in New York.
Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Operation Spanning Multiple Counties
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, the drug ring operated between the Bronx and Suffolk County, using homes and vehicles throughout the region to store and distribute narcotics.
Investigators said the suspects conspired to move significant quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and pressed pills, endangering communities already struggling with overdose deaths.
“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.”
Officials emphasized that the seized fentanyl alone was enough to kill 1.5 million people, more than the entire population of Suffolk County.
Investigation and Evidence Seized During Multi-Agency Operation
The bust was the result of a months-long investigation led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force, working with partner agencies including the DEA, NYPD, and local police departments.
On October 30, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants at locations in:
- West Islip
- Bay Shore
- Wyandanch
- Lindenhurst
- The Bronx
Authorities seized a large volume of illegal narcotics, including:
- Fentanyl (enough to kill 1.5 million people)
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Pressed counterfeit pills
In addition to drugs, officers recovered a stockpile of weapons, including:
- Three pistols
- Seven illegal high-capacity magazines
- Three 50-round drum magazines
- A shotgun and a rifle
- Large quantities of ammunition
Officials say the combination of lethal narcotics and illegal weapons highlights the extreme danger posed by the trafficking ring.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
The six suspects 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
- (Sixth defendant referenced in the DA briefing but unnamed in early reports)
All six were arraigned on October 31 before District Court Judge Evan Tanenbaum on multiple narcotics trafficking and weapons possession charges, according to online court records.
Investigators say the defendants face significant prison time due to the large-scale distribution operation, the quantity of fentanyl involved, and the possession of illegal high-capacity weapons.
Authorities React: A Deadly Crisis and a Major Breakthrough
District Attorney Tierney stressed the life-saving impact of the operation and warned that fentanyl continues to pose a severe threat to New York communities.
“There was more than enough fentanyl here to kill every man, woman, and child in Suffolk County,” Tierney said.
Law enforcement leaders said the bust demonstrates the importance of regional task forces, especially as drug traffickers frequently move products across county and borough lines.
Community leaders expressed relief that the dangerous narcotics and weapons were removed from circulation, noting that fentanyl overdoses continue to rise nationwide.
Background Context: Fentanyl’s Deadly Toll
Fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States due to its extreme potency. Just 2 milligrams can be lethal, making bulk quantities particularly dangerous in the hands of traffickers.
New York state agencies have increased enforcement efforts in response to rising overdose deaths, particularly in Long Island, where fentanyl-related fatalities have surged in recent years.
This latest bust is one of the largest fentanyl seizures in Suffolk County history and underscores the extent of ongoing trafficking networks operating in and around the region.
Next Steps in the Case
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may follow. Prosecutors are expected to present the case to a grand jury, where upgraded or additional charges may be considered based on the evidence seized.
The six defendants remain in custody pending further court hearings.
Conclusion
The seizure of enough fentanyl to kill 1.5 million people marks a major victory for New York law enforcement, who say the operation dismantled a dangerous ring capable of causing mass fatalities. As the investigation continues, prosecutors vow to pursue maximum penalties to keep lethal narcotics out of local neighborhoods.
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