Alleged heroin and fentanyl dealer indicted
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Division and U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Craig Lester, 32, of Buffalo, N.Y., with narcotics conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, butyryl fentanyl, U-47700, and cocaine; and using and maintaining a drug premises. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. Parisi, who handled the case, stated that according to the indictment, between March and May 2017, the defendant conspired with others to possess and distribute multiple controlled substances, including heroin, butyryl fentanyl, U-47700, and cocaine. In addition, the defendant is accused of using 28 Echols Lane in Buffalo to store and distribute heroin, butyryl fentanyl, and U-47700.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and is being held pending a detention hearing on April 18, 2019, at 10:30 a.m.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department and the DEA Buffalo Resident Office, New York Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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