An 11-month investigation by Syracuse police, State police, and the State Attorney General’s Office culminated on Tuesday in the indictment of 72 people on charges of operating two drug distribution rings. Authorities believe they’ve disrupted major supply chains for heroin and cocaine.
When you look at the list of those indicted, it becomes very clear just how widespread the drug trade was under the two drug rings. While most are from Syracuse, others were charged in Camillus, East Syracuse, Minoa, Fayetteville, and Kirkville, as well as Tully, Cicero, Clay, Liverpool, Central Square, and Pulaski.
"Heroin is not just a city problem, it is a concern for every region in our state including suburban and rural areas. It's addiction know no boundaries."
State Police Superintendent JoeD'Amico says the drugs don’t discriminate.
" Teens, grandparents, white-collar, blue-collar, single, married it makes no difference. Our members have encountered users from all backgrounds."
Deputy attorney general in charge of the organized crime task force Peri Kadanoff says of the 72 indicted, four have been charged as major traffickers, and face up to life in prison.
"When you take this many players off the street, this many major players, the people that are on these charts are not drug-end users. Every single one of these people is alleged to be a drug dealer. You are making a significant impact in peoples' lives."
Authorities seized nearly 11,000 ready-to-sell baggies of heroin, and enough bulk heroin to make another 2,000 bags. They also seized more than a pound of cocaine, dozens of pills, as well as two handguns, 9 rifles, 7 shot guns, and $40,000 in cash.
