DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
38 Results - Showing 1 to 10
PRESS RELEASE

Three Charged in Fentanyl/Heroin Packaging Operation in the Bronx: Over 13 Pounds of Illicit Drug Mixtures Seized

As part of an ongoing investigation into fentanyl/heroin trafficking in New York City, federal, state and local law enforcement officers recovered over 13 pounds of drug mixtures, including fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, methamphetamine, and cocaine, from inside a packaging mill. The drugs are estimated to carry a street value of over...
PRESS RELEASE

Two Charged with Connection with Scheme to Operate Industrial-Scale Illegal Narcotics Pill Pressing Operations Throughout New York City

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”); and Darren B. McCormack, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of...
PRESS RELEASE

Long Island Man Charged with Distributing Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine and Oxycodone

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, a two-count indictment was unsealed charging Ryan Mueller, of Lynbrook, New York, with distributing fentanyl that caused the death of a victim (Victim‑1) and with conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone. Mueller was arrested this morning and is scheduled to...
PRESS RELEASE

Nassau Doctor Sentenced to Up to 15 Years in Prison for Overprescription of Opioids that Led to Five Deaths

MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced today that a Nassau County doctor has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for prescription practices that led to the deaths of five patients between 2016 and 2018. George Blatti, 78, pleaded guilty on October 10...
PRESS RELEASE

Year in Review: DEA Innovates to Fight Fentanyl

NEW YORK CITY – In 2023, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration marked its 50th anniversary as the only federal agency dedicated to fighting deadly drugs and drug-related violence. This milestone celebrated a half century of dedication to fighting drug trafficking in the United States and around the world, which threatens...
PRESS RELEASE

Queens Pharmacist Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Illegally Distributing Oxycodone and Filing False Tax Returns

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Today, Daniel E. Russo was sentenced to 60 months in prison by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, distribution and possession of oxycodone, and nine counts of filing false personal and corporate tax returns. In...
PRESS RELEASE

DEA Hosts 25th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

NEW YORK CITY – The Drug Enforcement Administration will host its 25th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event offers an easy, no-cost opportunity for the community to anonymously dispose of unneeded medications at nearly 5,000 local drop-off locations...
PRESS RELEASE

Two Charged with Federal Narcotics Offenses Resulting in Death in Connection with the Poisoning of Four Children at a Bronx Daycare

NEW YORK CITY - Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Lisa O. Monaco, the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Edward A...
PRESS RELEASE

Former Auburn Physician Pays $135,000 and Forfeits DEA Registration, for Overprescribing Controlled Substances

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dr. Jang Boo Chi, formerly a physician in Auburn, and his medical practice, Jang Boo Chi M.D. P.C., have agreed to pay the United States $135,000 in civil penalties for overprescribing opioids and other controlled substances in dangerous combinations. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, and...
PRESS RELEASE

West Seneca Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Possession

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Kiara Hurd, 20, of West Seneca, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A...