United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BUFFALO, NEW YORK –  Nino Buggs, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, butyryl fentanyl and U-47700, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane, who handled the case, stated that in March 2017, multiple law enforcement agencies at the state, county and local levels began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Buggs following the drug overdose death of two individuals identified as M.B. and H.W. On March 20, 2017, Buggs sold a quantity of fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and U-47700, which was injected intravenously by M.B at a residence in Tonawanda, NY. On March 21, 2017, M.B. was discovered unconscious and unresponsive. The Tonawanda Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, but M.B. was pronounced dead. An examination concluded that M.B. died as a result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, U-47700, and clonazepam. On August 22, 2017, H.W. purchased a bundle of heroin from Buggs. That evening, H.W. intravenously injected the heroin. On August 24, 2017, Buffalo Police responded to a rescue call at a Richmond Avenue residence. Upon arrival, officers found H.W. deceased on the living room couch. An examination concluded that H.W. died as a result of heroin intoxication.

On August 24, 2017, investigators executed a search warrant at Buggs’ Roesch Avenue residence and seized quantities of heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine, as well as cell phones, a scale containing suspected drug residue, a strainer with suspected drug residue, diluent, drug packaging, and ammunition. 

The sentencing is result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Buffalo District Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Division; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.