United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – A collaborative operation between federal, state and local agencies has led to the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illicit drugs and 20 firearms over the past year in Broome County. 

The announcement was made by DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam, ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Craig L. Tremaroli, Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti, and Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar. 

The operation – called Operation Clean Sweep – led to the seizure of 475 grams of fentanyl, 63 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.374 kilograms of liquid methadone, 350 grams of crack cocaine, 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 2.6 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms, and 400 pounds of marijuana and THC products. It also led to the seizure of 20 firearms illegally possessed. 

“Operation Clean Sweep is a clear example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement comes together with a shared mission. Through our strong partnership with the Northern District of New York, Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti, Sheriff Frederick Akshar II, and all our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, we have successfully identified, targeted, and removed individuals responsible for trafficking dangerous narcotics into our communities” stated DEA Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “This operation resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine; poisons that destroy lives, fuel violence, and devastate families. In addition, 20 firearms were removed from our streets, eliminating an immediate threat to public safety. Let me be clear: those who profit from pushing this poison into our communities, along with the threat of violence, will be held accountable.”

“Since I was appointed to lead this Office on March 17, 2025, one of my top priorities has been improving and solidifying the collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement in this District, because this collaboration saves lives,” said FAUSA Sarcone. “I have worked tirelessly to achieve that goal and ensure that none of the 32 counties we serve was left behind in the process. This is no truer than in Broome County, where the District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff and the dedicated members of state and local law enforcement finally—after 5 long agonizing years of ‘social justice,’ e.g., ‘bail reform’ legislation that stripped away law enforcements ability to investigate, arrest, detain and prosecute violent criminals—with the help of my office and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s Department of Justice, our law enforcement partners in the Northern District of New York can once again use every legal tool at their disposal compliments of the U.S. Department of Justice to once again maximize its ability to protect the public from those who possess illegal firearms, traffic illegal drugs that destroy lives, families, and communities.” 

FAUSA Sarcone continued: “I am thrilled to announce some of the stellar results of Operation Clean Sweep along with my partners in combatting crime: the fine law enforcement officials of the Broome County District Attorney’s office led by DA Paul Battisti, the Sheriff’s office led by Fred Akshar, the Binghamton, Vestal, Johnson City and Endicott Police Departments, and our great partners in the New York State Police Troop C, and our federal partners, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, HSI, USPIS, and IRS-CI. I assure the public that these incredible seizures and arrests are just part of many successful operations to come in the Northern District of New York.”

“All of this has been removed from the street because Broome County law enforcement is collaborating with our federal, state and local partners,” DA Battisti said. “We have incredible members of law enforcement here in Broome County and every day this collaboration gets stronger.”

SAC Tremaroli stated: “Operation Clean Sweep was a remarkable success because of the incredible partnerships we have at every level of law enforcement within Broome County and beyond. Because while we all may wear a different badge, every one of us has the shared mission of keeping our communities safe and we know we can best accomplish that mission when we work together.”

Sheriff Akshar stated: “The interagency partnership of Operation Clean Sweep should send a clear message to those who continue to peddle poison in our community, to those who possess illegal firearms, and to those who choose violence and put the lives of our community members in danger in Broome County: We are coming for you and you will be held accountable. Our community demands it.”

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