Putnam County multi-agency narcotics enforcement initiative nets 56 arrests, seizes narcotics, motor vehicles and cash
Maj. Michael Kopy of the New York State Police, Putnam County District Attorney Adam Levy, Carmel Police Chief Michael Johnson, Kent Police Chief Alex DiVernieri and Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith report that their respective law enforcement agencies have teamed up in an effort to eradicate illegal drugs and narcotics from Northern Westchester and Putnam County streets.
Earlier this year, commanding officers and other high-ranking law enforcement officials from those agencies met at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at the request of Kopy and Smith. The meeting was organized to establish and initiate a comprehensive analysis into the reported use and sale of heroin in Putnam and Northern Westchester counties. As a result of this meeting, a multi-agency task force was formed to develop a strategic plan to combat narcotics trafficking.
For the past two months, investigators from each agency have worked together targeting street-level use and sales of illegal drugs and narcotics throughout the two counties. They developed vital intelligence, identified suspected drug dealers and employed investigative techniques to infiltrate the various criminal enterprises that led to the arrest of narcotics users and dealers operating in the communities.
They also seized narcotics, currency, power tools and motor vehicles. During the course of their investigation, investigators developed information that offered leads to other criminal activity related to the narcotics trade including burglary, robbery, prescription forgery and larceny.
As the investigation progressed, leads were obtained and arrest information was forwarded to representatives of the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office who compiled, coordinated and disseminated a weekly review of the team’s activities.
At the end of the two-month initiative, data revealed that 56 people from Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess counties, as well as nearby Connecticut, were arrested on a variety of criminal charges. Collectively, suspects were charged with 87 felony charges, 40 misdemeanor charges and 12 violation charges. In tracing the origin of the illegal drugs, investigators determined that the majority of the narcotics sold in this region originated in New York City.
The initiative seized more than $15,000 in United States currency and seven motor vehicles. As a result of the arrests, investigators confiscated a large assortment of narcotics – cocaine, heroin, marijuana, Oxycodone, Roxycodone, Suboxone, Xanax, steroids, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms and PCP.
Investigators also uncovered a systematic string of thefts from a home improvement store. Undercover deputies purchased two large generators and a commercial grade power washer from an individual. The power tools, estimated at approximately at $3,000, were stolen. These too were confiscated and the suspect arrested.
Other information developed by the task force led to the arrest of a suspected narcotics dealer working in Westchester County. That information was shared with the Westchester County Narcotics Unit, which resulted in the arrest of the suspected drug dealer, the seizure of a large quantity of heroin and $18,000 in currency.
It is always good to see cooperation and coordination among state, county and local law enforcement departments. These proactive drug enforcement initiatives deserve proper funding and legislative support all year long. It is Government’s first responsibility to protect its citizens. Congratulations on a job well done!