10 Members of Crack/Fentanyl Distribution Organization Arrested in Niagara Falls
Executed Arrest Warrants for 15 Individuals Totaling 56 Felony Charges Regarding the Sale and Possession of Illegal Narcotics
(NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.) – Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman, Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division, Niagara Falls Police Department (NFPD) Chief of Police John Faso, and New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Dominick Chiumento announced the arrest of 10 individuals as part of an ongoing drug investigation in Niagara Falls.
The NFPD, DEA, and NYSP conducted an approximate year-long investigation in the area of 19th Street and Ashland Ave., regarding illegal drug activity. According to the investigation, this drug trafficking organization sold crack cocaine and fentanyl daily throughout the city of Niagara Falls.
On December 20, 2021 15 state arrest warrants were executed resulting in the seizure of several rounds of .45 caliber ammunition, a small amount of crack cocaine and arrests of eight members of the drug distribution organization. Two individuals were arrested earlier this week and there are still 5 outstanding warrants.
The defendants:
- Matthew GULLEY (10/1/1966)
- Romel BRUNDIDGE (11/7/1985)
- Jazzie BENNETT (8/24/1994)
- Justin KENT (07/19/1989)
- Gerald MALLORY (05/25/2005)
- Krisean MINOR (11/15/1991
- Edward PARMER (09/23/1997)
- Paul POOLE (08/20/1986)
- Nassan SCOTT (05/12/1999)
- James SMITH (04/17/1990)
The following law enforcement agencies conducted the enforcement operation: the NFPD, DEA Buffalo District Office, NYSP, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and Border Patrol conducted a takedown pursuant to the arrest warrants, arresting 8 people. Two individuals were arrested earlier this week. There are still 5 outstanding warrants.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino stated: “These arrests are part of DEA’s Operation Overdrive to address crime and violence stemming from drug trafficking networks nationwide. DEA and our law enforcement partners are laser focused on making our communities safer and healthier. I commend the men and women from all the agencies involved in this investigation for their hard work.”
The Niagara County Attorney’s Office is prosecuting and the following law enforcement agencies conducted the enforcement operation: the NFPD, DEA Buffalo District Office, NYSP, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and Border Patrol.
