New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the convictions of 24 people involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that distributed heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in several counties in the state capital region. The investigation, led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and local law enforcement, seized more than $350,000 worth of narcotics, firearms and ammunition, leading to the dismantling of a ring operating in Albany , Dutchess, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties.

The extensive investigation, completed last year, led to the indictment of these individuals in November. The operation also seized four handguns, high capacity magazines and approximately $50,000 in cash. The first sentence was handed down yesterday, with one defendant, Elvis Colon, facing 7 1/2 to 15 years in prison on charges related to heroin and fentanyl trafficking.

“We are committed to ending the opioid crisis in our state, and that means tackling this problem from every angle,” said Attorney General James, emphasizing the ring’s impact on communities and the need to prevent fentanyl from reaching the public. “This drug ring operated a widespread network to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of narcotics, and now they are being brought to justice.”

Key people in the regional trafficking network face convictions

Among those convicted were Alexander Torres and Yamillet Galarza, identified as key players who coordinated the purchase and distribution of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine throughout the Capital Region. Torres had several suppliers and branded his narcotics with custom packaging to distinguish his products. Efrain Acevedo, another director of the operation, allegedly used his Troy restaurant as a frontier to distribute cocaine and proceeds.

As the investigation progressed, the OCTF, with assistance from the New York State Police, Troy Police Department and other agencies, conducted extensive surveillance and wiretapping of dozens of target phones to build evidence. The broad scope of the operation reflects the collaborative effort to reduce the spread of narcotics in the region.

Sentences vary for all 24 convicted defendants

Along with Colon, who was convicted by a jury earlier this month, several defendants now face prison time under state guidelines:

• Javier Colon was convicted of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and Sale of Drugs in the First Degree, with a potential maximum sentence of 20 years.
• Alexander Torres and Abner Velasquez both face 10 years on second-degree possession and sales convictions, respectively.
• Additional sentences range from two to 15 years, with the defendants facing varying degrees of drug charges, including sale and possession, based on their involvement in the operation.

Other defendants include the likes of Erick and Raul Baez, Jose Cintron, Mercedes Danahy and Jack Frazier, all convicted of charges of varying severity, mostly related to the possession and distribution of controlled substances. The convictions mark a significant development in the state’s efforts to reduce drug trafficking, with sentences set to deter similar operations in the future.

Investigation and prosecution conducted by OCTF

The investigation into the case was led by the OCTF, with assistance from multiple law enforcement divisions, including the New York State Police and local sheriff’s offices, as well as the US Army National Guard’s Drug Task Force. OCTF’s legal team, under Deputy Attorney General Nicole Keary and Chief Deputy Jose Maldonado, worked alongside legal aid analysts and investigators to see the case through the extensive judicial process.

Attorney General James expressed his appreciation to the law enforcement partners who contributed to the operation, crediting their efforts with the successful conclusion of a complex, months-long investigation.

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