A large-scale drug bust in the Rochester region was announced by law enforcement officials, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the AFT, and the DEA at the Federal Building on Thursday.
Nine alleged drug dealers were arrested, in what the U.S. Attorney's Office says is connected to another large bust from the end of April.
Andy Rodriguez of the Attorney's Office said several kilos of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, $200,00 in cash, and a firearm were seized.
Those arrested include:
- Isiah Claudio
- Nathaniel Claudio
- Phillip Coleman
- Xavier Gonzalez
- Angel “Peewee” Ortiz
- Luis Ortiz, AKA, Luis Ortiz-Rivera
- Peter Pacheco
- Hector Rivera-Torres
- Jose Roman, Jr.
This brings the total number of alleged drug dealers arrested to 28.
The Rochester Police Department, MCSO, Greece Police, New York State Police and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office were also present for the announcement.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says drugs were brought into the area in multiple ways, including being smuggled inside travel suitcases and car batteries.
Search warrants were executed today in Irondequoit, Greece, Rochester, and Perinton, with more than 100 officers were involved in the execution of search warrants at 12 homes in Rochester, and one vehicle.
"These drugs know no borders, they know no boundaries, said Sheriff Kevin Henderson, of the Ontario County Sheriff's Office. "Drugs come into my community and I'm focused along with my staff to give the resources that we can in order to make sure we get these drugs off the street."
The defendants are charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.