United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BROOKLYN, N.Y. --A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Douglas Marra, also known as “Dougie,” and Joseph McClean, also known as “Max B,” with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl in Queens between January 2018 and September 2018. McClean and Marra were arrested earlier today, and their initial appearances are scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.

“As alleged, the defendants repeatedly sold heroin and fentanyl, seeking to profit from these highly addictive and potentially lethal drugs,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “With today’s arrests, the defendants will be held accountable for contributing to the opioid epidemic plaguing our communities.”

“It is not shocking that drug traffickers lure customers by linking their product to overdoses; but the blatant disregard to human life is unconscionable,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Donovan. “Today’s arrests sends a message to dealers that at some point we will catch you and in some cases the charges will be more than just distribution.”

“Our communities have been plagued with fentanyl related deaths, and it is because of individuals like those arrested today, those who prey on vulnerabilities with no regard for life,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Melendez. “McClean and Marra are now in custody, unable to keep pushing these deadly drugs as alleged, and law enforcement will continue working opioid investigations and removing relentless drug dealers from our city streets.”

As alleged in the complaint, in January 2018, HSI and NYPD began investigating a heroin and fentanyl drug trafficking organization in Queens. Following a drug overdose death in Queens, law enforcement interviewed an individual who stated that the overdose victim had obtained heroin from “Dougie” and that “Dougie” works with “Max B.” A subsequent search of the victim’s cellphone by law enforcement revealed contact information for Marra and McClean. Law enforcement then initiated a series of undercover drug transactions with Marra. During one of those transactions, Marra told an undercover police officer, “This stuff is hot. My friend died off of it.” Ultimately, when Marra was not able to provide drugs, McClean directed other suppliers to complete the narcotics transaction.

The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Marcia M. Henry and Penelope J. Brady are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendants:

DOUGLAS MARRA (also known as “Dougie”)

Age: 34

Glendale, Queens

JOSEPH MCCLEAN (also known as “Max B”)

Age: 34

Glendale, Queens

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